Urban Green Areas – their functions under a changing lifestyle of ...

elements from earlier English, French or Indian styles. More practical designs were
developed in response to public demands that emerged towards the end of the 19 th century.
Recently, there are two trends in park design which aim at different segments of the
population. The first trend is to multi-functional park containing areas for cultural events,
for sports activities, for relaxation and with areas with childrens’ playgrounds. The second
type of park is more directed to a single specialized group such as sports grounds or
childrens’ parks. Multi-functional park includes different areas such as:
Area for Art and Cultural performance: the center of the area is a large layout.
Spatial layout and surrounding greenery are highlighted by trees and color works. The
main road leading to the center of area is convenient, straight and wide.
Area for Children: Landscape of the area is bright and vibrant with shade trees
throughout the year. The center of the area used for children's activities is usually
large. There are many types of equipment for children playing.
Area for Sport: are mainly play yards. Trees are usually in the form of mutilation or
with neat foliage, high branches, hard body and difficulty to be broken.
Peaceful Area for relax: There are many different beautiful views along the path or
small scenery. This area is usually closed in peaceful yard.
In Vietnam:
As with the historical development of UGA in other places, the development of parks and
gardens in Vietnam started out with royal gardens in the feudal periodsThese were
geometric gardens (e.g. Hang Dau garden, see picture 2.4). During the French colonial
period, the natural style of the French parks was introduced, e.g. the Bach Thao garden in
Hanoi, (see picture 2.5). After independence (1970s- 1980s), parks and gardens were
influenced by Russian styles(e.g., Thong Nhat park, see picture 2.6).
However, parks and gardens are considered to be decrepit without dominated style.
Nevertheless, those trends come to Vietnam a little bit later than where they original
constructed.
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