In the quiet coastal commune of Tam Thanh, nestled within the city of Tam Ky, something new is unfolding. A testing ground for how community and design can reshape public space together.
UN-Habitat, through the ISCB program in Vietnam and with support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, has chosen Tam Thanh as one of two pilot locations. And it’s not by chance. This village holds a unique place in Vietnam’s cultural landscape. It’s where river and sea meet, where murals and community spirit already live side by side.
So how can placemaking unlock even more?
A Vision Takes Shape
The idea is rooted in the Tam Thanh 2040 Landscape Vision Plan. Think of it as a long-term dream, a roadmap for what the village could become, if designed hand in hand with the people who call it home.
The pilot is using tools from the Our City Plans Toolbox to bring parts of that vision to life. These aren’t just pretty sketches or theoretical frameworks but about testing real changes, in real spaces, with real people.
And it starts with four public spaces that were carefully chosen out of a much longer list of 15.
Why These Four?
The process of selecting those four locations wasn’t a top-down decision. Over 90 voices from residents to local businesses, artists to students, came together to discuss and prioritize. Based on this input, the technical team also made a prioritization which ultimately led to the definition of two underutilized open spaces and two connecting pedestrian routes.
These four spaces have the potential to enhance the economic value of surrounding businesses, as reinforce the artistic mural quality Tam Ky, has gain over the years, as well as its long lasting fishing practice. It is expected that these will also enhance the social and cultural value.
As for the remaining potential sites, a placemaking catalogue with technical sheets for each pilot intervention will be given to the city.
Walking, Watching, Listening
To make sure the ideas matched the reality on the ground, the technical team spent three days walking, watching, and listening.
Two sensory walks brought together 29 community members. These walks were a chance to see the spaces through many lenses - as a student, a grandmother, a shopkeeper, or a local painter.
Meanwhile, the design team observed and mapped how people used these areas, and when did kids come out to play? Where did people stop to talk? Which spaces felt forgotten?
These subtle moments told them just as much as the conversations did.
Creating Together, Not Just For
After that, the real co-creation began. The technical team worked shoulder to shoulder with local artists, a local technical task force and designers. They built a proposal together that responded to what people said they needed, and to what the village’s character is already offering.
Tam Thanh is known as the culture mural village, it’s rich in visual identity and local pride which has made it a touristic attraction. This project is helping enhance that identity, and economic value while also adding touches that make everyday life easier, more joyful, and more connected.
Here’s a look into what’s being proposed:
- Painting and paving to improve the charm and safety of pedestrian alleys
- Simple, welcoming seating where people can rest, talk, or reflect
- Better signs and wayfinding to guide visitors and connect spaces
- Small corners for contemplation or photos — places to pause and capture the view
- Games for children and families, bringing life and energy to quiet spots
What Happens Next?
The proposal has been presented to local authorities. Their support is key, but this is just the beginning.
As light and semi-permanent interventions start rolling out, the hope is that more local groups, residents, and creatives will join in. This isn’t meant to be a one-off installation but the start of something that can grow and evolve leading to permanent improvements that stay true to the vision of the 2040 Landscape Plan.
Curious How Your City Could Do This Too?
Tam Thanh is just one story. But the method, the tools, and the spirit behind this pilot are designed to be replicated. Our City Plans offers cities a way to imagine differently, build collectively, and act quickly, starting with people.
Tactical urbanism, placemaking, and community-led planning can happen anywhere. All it takes is one space. One conversation. And a willingness to dream out loud.
For more information on how your city can replicate the piloting process that our team is doing in Vietnam, check Pilot interventions: Tactical urbanism
Learn more about how Our City Plans has strengthened urban development in Vietnam through Tam Thanh’s journey toward becoming a vibrant tourism and community art village here.