Water, Urban Morphology, Urbanization and Sustainable Development: Case study of the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal area in Ho Chi Minh city

Abstract

Water is the source of life, forming of the urban space, cultural values, customs, habits, and a catalyst for human civilization. Similar to the major cities of the world, Ho Chi Minh city, which has been proven as a city born from the water, has formed and developed based on water. But nowadays the symbol on water in defining the image of city is impacted by processes of urbanization. Notably, the urban surface water area is being encroached upon and gradually narrowed down due to the demand for economic development and infrastructure. This issue is related to the pollution of water surface, environmental degradation, flooding from increasing run-off and the rising temperatures in the urban areas. The article explores the water interface in specific peri-urban areas in the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal on both sides. The current situation of urban surface water use and water quality in this local reflect various changes in the Ho Chi Minh city's environment, lifestyle and urban morphology in general when it has completely gone beyond the geographic limit and come into the city. With the related factors of changes in trade activities, the landscape of urban social cultural architecture, etc. with a water interface, the article analyzes the causes and evaluates the problem-solving approaches from the urban projects for urban water surface improvement.