Drowing minor cities / Urban Adaptation Scenarios for Thanh Da

Students: Alessandro van den Berg · Christina Dartsch · Jari van Dop

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens

Welcome to the poster of our proposal for the transformation of Thanh Da Island. We as a student group, have come together to address the pressing architectural and urban challenges of Thanh Da Island in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This is our plan to revitalise this beautiful area into the modern, safe and flood proof Ngu Dan Islands (Fisherman Islands).

Students: Sander van de Winckel · Noah Peeters · Stijn van Helden

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens

Students: Amir Esmaili · Ana Petre · Hazael Ann Thomas · Lander Deriemaeker

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens

Students: Jildou Valkema · Julia Kleijn · Liz van der Heijden

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens

The Rise Above project reimagines urban development in Thanh Da Peninsula, Ho Chi Minh City, by embracing flood resilience and community-driven design. Instead of raising land for high-rise buildings, it proposes a water-adaptive “urban archipelago” that integrates sustainable architecture, nature-based solutions, and local culture. Using sponge city principles and flood mitigation strategies, the design transforms water from a threat into an asset, ensuring a harmonious and resilient future

Students: Tom Groenen · Marti Jova Font · Alexander Verkooijen · Leonard Vogt

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens

While still preserving the current urban layout of the Thanh Da Peninsula, new housing opportunities are created on meso and micro scale. Existing housing typologies will be mixed with newly developed projects. This will stimulate social interaction and create new communities. Two different housing typologies are added in the micro area. This interplay of contrasting buildings and environments can be carried out further on a meso scale. This means that new urban areas can be created across the island to solve the housing crisis. Several water filtration systems around the border of the island can filter the polluted water from the Saigon river. During a heavy rainfall, the wetlands can also function as a retention area to protect the urban area against flooding, or in times of drought it can be stored. New sport, healthcare and recreation facilities are added to the Thanh Da peninsula. The farms still have its place and the sidewalks will be able to be used by the street vendors. The main road will be upgraded completely and in the south of the peninsula another connection with the main land will be created, which improves the accessibility drastically

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens

In the Thanh Da Gardenia project, our goal is to preserve the original characteristics of the area, including its ponds, communities, and greenery and water systems, while enhancing them. By improving these features through new infrastructure, multifunctional gardens, innovative architecture, and effective water management, we aim to create a unique space within Ho Chi Minh City where both people and nature can thrive in harmony

Students: Jildou Valkema · Julia Kleijn · Liz van der Heijden

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens

Our vision for Thanh Đa embraces water as an opportunity, not a threat. We aim to integrate water into daily life, enriching the community and enhancing resilience. Through waterscapes, we invite residents to view water as a source of beauty, connection, and value. Flood mitigation will combine natural solutions with innovative designs. Waterways will protect against flooding while creating spaces for recreation, social interaction, and ecological restoration. This redevelopment is not just about infrastructure; it’s a cultural shift toward coexistence and stewardship. By changing our relationship with water, Thanh Đa can become a model of resilience, sustainability, and harmony a community that thrives with water.

Students: Jazmin Menrath · Jesse Kuhnen · Julia de Gier · Juliet Nguyen

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens

Integrating Densified Communities, Cultural Tourism, and Water Harmony While Preserving Local Heritage

Students: Lex Kalfsterman · Véronique Vermue · Sander in 't Zandt · Shannon Zwart

Supervisors: Patrick Lenssen · Frits van de Kerk · Els van den Veyver · Steven Hommersom · Wil Mertens