In an exclusive interview, Mr. Miguel Falcao Fernandes, Principal at AEDAS Architecture and Design, shared the story of how the Xanh Island project’s design was shaped. It represents a fresh, culturally rich spatial interpretation of Cat Ba Island.

Mr. Fernandes, what was the primary source of inspiration that AEDAS architects drew upon to infuse life into the Central Green Bay Island City project?

The project was inspired by the region’s breathtaking natural setting - framed by towering mountains and facing the East Sea. Our aim was for the architecture to seamlessly blend into this landscape while also honoring Cat Ba as a UNESCO-recognized “heritage gem.”

Drawing inspiration from the “Four Symbols” in Eastern culture - Bach Ho (White Tiger) and Thanh Long (Azure Dragon), two mythical guardians representing the balance between land and sea - we envisioned buildings as bold, sculptural forms. They rise with elegance and strength, a tribute to the land’s natural, cultural, and ecological spirit.

How long did it take for the architects of Sun Group and AEDAS to develop the design ideas for the Cat Ba project?

It took six months of close and intensive collaboration to refine both the artistic and technical aspects of the project. Sun Group and AEDAS held multiple design workshops to ensure the result would not only be visually compelling but also meet environmental regulations and fulfill the real needs of future residents.

Initially, turning the symbolic image of Bach Ho into architecture seemed nearly impossible. But through relentless innovation and determination, we made it real - most notably in the design of The Xanh 1 apartment tower, which now stands as a symbol of both power and grace.

When using the “Four Symbols” of Eastern culture (left Azure Dragon – right White Tiger – front Vermillion Bird – back Black Tortoise), what message did the architects want to convey?

The integration of the “Four Symbols” into the architecture was a way of embedding local culture deeply into the project’s DNA. Without these elements, the buildings could be anywhere - but with them, they undeniably belong to Cat Ba.

The spirit of Bach Ho is reflected in the flowing white balcony lines that wrap around the building, conveying motion and strength. These balconies also serve a functional purpose - encouraging connection with the surrounding natural environment. The tower inspired by Thanh Long will feature a dragon head on its roof, while cascading high-rise gardens mimic the fluid motion of the dragon’s body. Balconies shaped like dragon scales add depth and rhythm to the facade.

These architectural decisions not only result in iconic structures but also “anchor” the project to its specific place, celebrating and preserving its heritage. Our collaboration with landscape designers further ensured that every element, from topography to the user experience, respects the island’s natural setting. The outcome is a design approach that is rare in its harmony and ambition.

The towers have a ground floor height of up to 7 meters, and the basement is used for parking and multi-purpose charging stations. What is the intention behind this design?

Scale plays a vital role in shaping the overall experience. A 7-meter ground floor creates openness and gives visitors a powerful architectural impression, while also offering ideal conditions for commercial spaces.

By placing parking and multifunctional charging stations underground, we free up ground-level space, allowing for a pedestrian-friendly layout. This design choice supports the project’s green vision and sustainable infrastructure. Sun Group and AEDAS worked closely on this, ensuring all spatial and functional choices serve the well-being of residents and guests.

How do you view the collaboration between AEDAS and Sun Group?

Cat Ba Island is like a garden filled with diverse flowers - each with its own color, fragrance, and form. Together, they create a captivating and harmonious whole.

This spirit of harmony also defines our collaboration. Sun Group worked hand-in-hand with local architects and engineers, alongside AEDAS’s international experts, to shape the Xanh Island project into a vibrant, one-of-a-kind architectural creation.

PV