Competitors are required to consider a wide variety of issues and elements within their design proposals. Strong consideration should be given to the following:

Programming

Competitors are encouraged to think creatively about potential activities and programs at all scales, and to incorporate innovative ideas into their design solutions. The public spaces should reflect active and passive uses, social and recreational uses, historic, cultural, political, and educational uses, accommodating special events throughout the year and providing round-the-clock destination points. The Central Plaza should, among other programs, be able to accommodate military parades along with annual national anniversaries and cultural festivals.

Sustainability

Competitors should incorporate a clear and compelling sustainability strategy into their designs. Environmental considerations should be addressed at all levels, including broad concepts related to water resources, energy use, solar shading, use of materials, recycling, native vegetation and applications of new sustainable technologies among others.

Infrastructure

Integrated infrastructure is critical to the success of the Central Plaza, Crescent Park and Pedestrian Bridge. Major infrastructure components include underground parking (scale and amount to be determined by entrant), public transit connection (see "Downloads" for proposed public transit plan), ferry stop, water taxi, lighting, storm water management, grading, vehicular circulation through and around the site areas, pedestrian safety, police and fire access.

Elements

Competitors are encouraged to think innovatively about a wide range of elements within the public spaces. Public art, kiosks, hardscape/softscape, topography, paths, gardens, streetscape, fountains, lighting, seating, trees, shade structures, and many other components are encouraged. Statues or monuments may be placed at special locations, representing important historic figures in Vietnam's history and symbolizing the spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Management

Management of the Central Plaza, Crescent Park, and Pedestrian Bridge areas will play a critical role in the success of these new public spaces. Competitors are encouraged to postulate general strategies for accommodating large groups of people (up to 1,000,000) and how crowds both large and small will utilize the various spaces. Safety and security, traffic management, maintenance, and general operations should be considered within the design proposals.