Masterise Homes & Foster + Partners to develop The Global City in HCMC

Masterise Homes announced the appointment of Foster + Partners for its first township development, The Global City in Ho Chi Minh City, on February 22.

The latter will act as Architectural Advisor for the development, providing innovative and sustainable design solutions to create a truly global city, as its name suggests.

The partnership with the practice, a global award-winning studio for architecture, urbanism, and design, also demonstrates the developer’s vision to create a world-class township - the new downtown in the southern city.

Foster + Partners is among today’s most recognized and respected names in architecture around the world. Founded in 1967, the studio, over its more than five decades, has pioneered a sustainable approach to architecture and urbanism through a wide range of work, from masterplans to offices, cultural buildings, airports, and industrial design. It has designed some of the world’s most notable buildings, including Hearst Tower in New York, “The Gherkin” in London, and Hong Kong International Airport. Its founder, Norman Foster, has been awarded architecture’s highest accolades, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the Praemium Imperiale Award for Architecture in Japan, the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, and the AIA Gold Medal.

“The ambition and scale of the project is striking, and we are delighted to be working with Masterise Homes on this unique residential project, which brings together their progressive vision and our extensive experience in large-scale masterplans to create a distinct global city,” said Mr. Toby Blunt, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners. “This will be our first township in Vietnam, and we are excited to extend our footprint into the country.”

The development, previously known as Sai Gon Binh An township, was renamed and introduced by Masterise Homes - the new developer - in January. The entire project is set to be completed within 48 months.

Mr. Youssef Akila, Head of Design at Masterise Homes, said they are delighted to be partnering with one of the world’s most recognized names in architecture and design to realize their vision for The Global City. “There is a natural synergy with Foster + Partners, whose ongoing commitment to sustainability and green projects is aligned with our commitment to create an iconic development with worldwide recognition, contributing to the community and promoting society sustainability,” he added. “The Global City will be another milestone in our journey of bringing world-class excellence to Vietnam.” 

Following the concept of New Urbanism, The Global City will be a diverse and sophisticated neighborhood, integrating a full range of facilities for a future downtown city alongside residential units. The giga development, located in An Phu ward in Thu Duc City, boasts excellent connectivity, with easy access to highways, major roads, and metro lines. The 117.4-ha masterplan will include high-rise and low-rise apartments, villas, social housing, schools, medical centers, administrative facilities, a 125,000 sq m Grade A shopping mall, and other amenities, to create a sustainable, mixed-use community.