The New Center of Ho Chi Minh City - The Global City with the hallmarks of iconic cities worldwide, characterized by dynamism, civilization, and prosperity.
A common trait of prosperous urban areas in developed countries is their formation along riverbanks - converging exclusive values such as riverside ecosystems, sustainable living spaces, classy amenities, unique locations, and a civilized, globally-connected community.
Along the romantic Seine River (France) as it flows through the world's capital of light, Quai de la Tournelle gathers the magnificent residences of the French nobility with ancient beauty, a refined lifestyle, and the most expensive location in Paris. In London (England), the Thames River embraces prestigious areas like Kensington and Chelsea - home to some of the world's most expensive real estate. This area attracts not only the wealthy but is also a globally iconic landmark.
In Asian countries, riverside real estate is even more favored due to the Feng Shui beliefs of Eastern cultures. For instance, in China's leading economic center, the Huangpu River has witnessed the flow of history, culture, and economic breakthroughs of Shanghai.
However, the allure of riverside residential areas also lies in asset value - consistently valued over 40% higher than other real estate, according to Knight Frank's report. This further confirms that this position is not only perfect for living but also for long-term asset investment, affirming the vision and financial stature of the owner.
Particularly, the elite are not only concerned with the "proximity to water" location - offering beautiful views, fresh, cool climate, and considered to bring prosperity - but the key criterion for choosing an elite residence is also "proximity to the city center" and "proximity to roads" - sufficiently convenient for connectivity.
In recent years, Vietnam's upper class has quickly caught up with global real estate trends. Accordingly, urban areas meticulously planned around rivers with complete transport infrastructure are increasingly noticed.
With a prime position along the Rạch Chiếc River and located on the last precious urban land parcel in An Phu Ward, the SOHO townhouses within The Global City quickly caught the eye of many visionary investors.
Inspired by prestigious riverside urban areas, The Global City is expected to become an iconic urban area for all of Southeast Asia. Leveraging natural advantages, from the outset, the urban area was planned with the criterion of maximizing green and water surface preservation. The creator also built a 2 km long canal system right in the heart of the urban area's landscape, increasing the water surface and green area to 450,000 m², opening up a balanced and healthy living space for residents.
Living at The Global City, the community of residents not only fully enjoys a living space close to nature but also conveniently connects quickly to bustling areas, thanks to the "proximity to city, river, and roads" position. Surrounding the urban area are key arterial routes heading towards the center like Do Xuan Hop, Song Hanh, Lien Phuong, Vo Chi Cong, Hanoi Highway, Mai Chi Tho Avenue... with systematically planned infrastructure, helping residents move quickly to other bustling city areas following the "15-minute city model."
Among these, with the location of the SOHO townhouse alley at The Global City, adjacent to Do Xuan Hop Street, near nearly 300,000 residents living within a 2 km radius, the SOHO commercial townhouses have and will welcome thousands of visitors for sightseeing, entertainment, and leisure. After the entire urban area is completed, The Global City will welcome a total of 40,000 elite residents and 20,400 employees working in high-income offices.
Since its completion and handover in early 2024, SOHO has become the main topic in the long-term investment story anticipating price appreciation, investment for business or rental premises, or as a residential destination in an internationally standard, fully-serviced planned residential area.
"While waterside living spaces are among the most desirable in the world, not all high-end waterside properties are the same," noted Liam Bailey - Global Head of Research at Knight Frank. Because for the elite community, they need a more elevated living experience.
The attribute of "class" is not simply confined to material value or enjoyment but is also measured through aspects like international standard planning, sophistication and elegance in architectural design and interior finishing. Particularly, the commitment to protecting the environment and sustainable development is no longer a trend but a mandatory standard in the lifestyle of global citizens.
Looking at the region, Marina Bay Sands - a symbol of ultimate luxury in Singapore, is proof of the harmony between modern and sustainable living. This iconic urban area by Marina Bay is not only a resort complex and economic center but also a unique architectural masterpiece, seamlessly connected and ensuring sustainable consumption from energy to water sources.
Looking globally, another notable project is Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, designed by Foster + Partners. As one of the world's first smart cities, Masdar City stands out with its system of canals and lakes - elements that help regulate air in the harsh desert environment. This city typifies the harmonious combination of advanced technology and natural elements, offering an environmentally friendly living space, creating a low-carbon, low-waste community with minimal dependence on fossil fuels. This project has also become a green model for sustainable cities in the region and globally.
In Vietnam, The Global City - with its operational SOHO commercial townhouses, is the only urban area designed by Foster + Partners. This partly demonstrates the stature and dedication of Masterise Homes® in bringing global standards in urban development and architectural design to Vietnam.
Foster + Partners has created many iconic structures of world architecture like the Apple headquarters in the US, Apple Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and the Bloomberg headquarters in the UK. This corporation only selects partners with shared vision and development goals to create works with enduring sustainable value.
Inspired by the attached, variably-height townhouses characteristic of major cities in Vietnam, the architects at Foster + Partners skillfully combined the unique urban vibe of Vietnam to enhance aesthetic beauty while giving residents a sense of familiarity. Thereby, the SOHO townhouses optimize functional use - serving both business activities and "fitting" the living and enjoyment needs of residents.
The facade architecture of the SOHO townhouses is a subtle combination of modern minimalist style and the classic hallmarks of the Urban Village style. Every detail is meticulously calculated to ensure natural ventilation and lighting while optimizing privacy for the homeowners.
At night, each SOHO emits a warm light, highlighting the European-style architecture, transforming the townhouse area into a vibrant, colorful yet truly fulfilling space.
Accompanying Foster + Partners, WATG - the renowned American architecture firm, present in over 160 countries and 6 continents - designed the urban area's landscape according to strict global sustainability standards while preserving the cultural values of traditional Vietnamese lifestyles.
The urban area follows the biophilic design style - integrating nature into the living environment. The spirit of harmony with nature is evident from its location next to the Rạch Chiếc River, with its peaceful flow and rich ecosystem, an indispensable part of the city's irrigation system. Interspersed between the townhouse rows, inside each house and street corner, ideal green density is planned, including three parks with a total area of over 1.7 hectares.
It can be seen that the journey of creating the iconic urban area The Global City in general and SOHO in particular is not only about applying international design standards but also an effort to instill Vietnamese identity and spirit. This is also the foundation of many great world civilizations during their development - always harmonizing the preservation and promotion of cultural and national values alongside commercial and financial elements.
Although willing to pay for expensive products and services, for the elite, class is not about flaunting luxury but about personalized living experiences. The common point of the most expensive real estate in the world in New York, London, Singapore... is easy connectivity to bustling central areas, being equipped with top-tier amenities, and having many activities combining culture, art, and creativity, offering a distinctive living value.
Precisely because of their strict taste in choosing residences, the elite often gather in their own community, where they find successful people of similar stature, with shared life philosophies, aesthetics, entertainment, and enjoyment.
Before completing SOHO and handing over valuable business places and perfect shelters to their owners, Masterise Homes® has "tailor-made" The Global City into the new center of Ho Chi Minh City with a chain of international standard amenities serving a dynamic and modern lifestyle.
Stepping out onto the street, SOHO residents can enjoy the entire "Live - Work - Play" ecosystem with top entertainment - dining complexes, international service brands meeting all needs. These include the City Park sports entertainment complex, the Global Fountain with one of the largest musical water canals in Southeast Asia, and hundreds of amenities and services gradually being completed like a 123,000 m² shopping mall, schools, medical centers along with high-rise and low-rise subdivisions. Among these, the first high-rise subdivision, Masteri Grand View at The Global City, was just launched with over 600 diverse and uniquely designed premium apartments.
From 2023 to now, The Global City has become the focal point for major cultural and entertainment events such as large-scale music festivals (Luxury Countdown, GenFest, Hoi-Thuan-Hoi...), street art, theater performances, fashion shows, exhibitions, pop-up stores, culinary-cultural festivals, activities by international organizations, community programs... Particularly, The Global City just launched the Art Ave model street at SOHO with a series of activities combining art, culture, and creativity, bringing contemporary art into urban life. Estimated from the beginning of the year until now, about 3 million visitors have come to the urban area to experience the lifestyle and participate in cultural, entertainment, and sports activities.
"Integrating cultural, artistic, and creative activities into urban life is applied in successful major cities worldwide, helping improve residents' quality of life, besides increasing asset value. Masterise Homes® pioneers in introducing contemporary art elements into urban life in Vietnam, not only enhancing the commercial appeal for the SOHO subdivision but also bringing distinctive living value to The Global City residents," said a representative of Masterise Homes®.
From November 16, 2024, to January 15, 2025, each week SOHO will deploy a series of cultural, artistic, and creative activities on the Art Ave street with unique pop-up stores and sculptural artworks curated by ACE LÊ - a curator from the prestigious Sotheby's, along with a series of street music events. The Art Ave street is also expected to become the "heart" of the SOHO subdivision - shaping an attractive urban destination for Ho Chi Minh City residents, contributing to increasing real estate value here.
Since the handover, the SOHO commercial townhouses have welcomed a large number of residents and merchants to live and do business. They come from various fields and countries, creating a diverse and rich community. Besides the elite group from the local creative community, this place also gathers pioneering entrepreneurs and global citizens always aiming to connect the elite resident community.
"The Global City increasingly affirms its position as the new center of Ho Chi Minh City, expected to become an icon for the entire Southeast Asia region, offering outstanding cultural value, living experiences, and commerce. And SOHO is the destination for those seeking a multi-experience living space: modern, sophisticated yet full of cultural identity, inspiring creativity every day," affirmed a representative of Masterise Homes®.
