Introduction: Shaping Urban Futures Along New Coastlines

Coastal regions around the world are becoming increasingly dynamic transitional zones, where accelerated urbanization intersects with the mounting risks of climate change. By 2050, it is projected that up to 71% of the global population will reside in coastal areas, placing unprecedented pressure on urban land reserves and the efficient use of land resources. As terrestrial land becomes increasingly scarce, coastal land reclamation - through a combination of advanced engineering and strategic planning - is emerging not only as an essential adaptation measure but also as a forward-looking approach to expand urban development space, enhance climate resilience, and foster long-term sustainable economic growth.

Figure 1. The Coastal Expansion of Singapore

At OasisConcept, we view urban planning and design not merely as technical undertakings, but as a visionary process of shaping prosperous, sustainable cities that harmonize with natural ecosystems while enhancing human well-being. Our development philosophy - centered on both people and nature - serves as the guiding compass for all of our projects. This ethos is evident in our long-term masterplans such as Royal Island - Phu Cuong Residence and Phu Quy Island - Phu Cuong Residence in Kien Giang, as well as in exemplary eco-resort developments like Thi Nai Eco Bay Resort in Binh Dinh.

We are not simply building on newly reclaimed land; we are crafting new urban futures—spaces where innovation is deeply interwoven with environmental responsibility and social cohesion. These values form the foundation of inclusive and sustainable development in the 21st century.

Global Vision, Local Solutions: Why Coastal Reclamation Is the Future of Urbanization

History shows that coastal reclamation has long served practical needs - from the ancient Egyptian “nilometer” system used to control flooding, to land expansion strategies for agriculture in imperial China. However, entering the 20th century, this process accelerated dramatically, driven by technological advancements and the rapid growth demands of cities. Today, the forces propelling land reclamation are increasingly multi-dimensional:

• Population Growth and Urbanization: High-density coastal areas require new land for housing, industry, commerce, and green infrastructure.
• Global Trade and Port Expansion: Over 70 cities worldwide have expanded their ports through land reclamation to meet the rising demands of international trade.
• Severe Land Scarcity: In geographically constrained nations such as Singapore and Hong Kong, coastal reclamation is an essential strategy for long-term growth.
• Shaping a Globally Recognized Urban Identity: An emerging trend involves developing iconic urban spaces to elevate global standing.

This transformation demands a holistic approach to urban planning and architectural innovation - one that aligns seamlessly with OasisConcept’s philosophy of integrated design. For Vietnam - a country with an extensive coastline and a high rate of urbanization - embracing principles of sustainable land reclamation is not merely an option, but a strategic imperative to ensure prosperous growth and long-term resilience for future generations.

Figure 2. Royal Island – Phu Cuong Residence, Kien Giang

Leading Trends: Shaping Sustainable Cities with OasisConcept

Modern land reclamation is evolving beyond the singular goal of spatial expansion toward a multidimensional approach that embeds principles of sustainability, enhances human well-being, and integrates advanced technologies. Key emerging trends include:

• Eco-Cities: Promoting the integration of green corridors and pocket parks within urban cores to restore biodiversity, provide essential ecosystem services, and reconnect people with nature in a harmonious way. This serves as a foundational element in OasisConcept’s ecological design approach.

Figure 3. Ecolakes My Phuoc – R3, Binh Dương

• Case Study: Thi Nai Eco Bay Resort, Binh Dinh: In Binh Dinh, the Thi Nai Eco Bay Resort exemplifies our integrated ecological design approach. The project transformed a once-neglected site into a vibrant “eco-park,” harmoniously blending tourism, education, and nature conservation. OasisConcept addressed the challenge of revitalizing abandoned land by creating a network of interconnected green spaces, diverse ecological habitats, and environmental education infrastructure - establishing a sustainable destination where people are deeply connected to nature and gain a heightened awareness of ecological values.

Figure 4. Thi Nai Eco Bay Resort, Binh Dinh

• 15-Minute City & Complete Street Infrastructure: Planning multifunctional neighborhoods where residents can access essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, while prioritizing space for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. This model promotes sustainable urbanization and reduces dependence on private vehicles. OasisConcept brings this principle to life through masterplans that emphasize walkability and reduce reliance on motorized transport, thereby enhancing the quality of urban living spaces.
• Healthy Building Practices & Smart Urban Technology: Implementing nature-based design solutions - such as green roofs and systems to mitigate the urban heat island effect - alongside smart grids powered by renewable energy, air quality monitoring, and noise control technologies. We integrate smart urban technologies and sustainable construction materials to ensure that every project not only operates efficiently but also significantly enhances residents’ well-being - physically, mentally, and socially.

Figure 5. Parkroyal Collection Pickering, Singapore

• Mental Well-being & Community Cohesion: Emphasizing the design of urban squares and multifunctional public spaces that encourage relaxation, social interaction, physical activity, and integration of essential social infrastructure. This reflects our strong commitment to the value of Community Engagement—a core principle in every project we undertake. At OasisConcept, we believe that active community participation is essential to creating spaces that genuinely meet the needs of residents. That’s why we prioritize two-way dialogue, listen attentively, maintain transparency in decision-making, and ensure that communities are involved throughout the entire planning process.

Figure 6. Ho Guom Xanh, Binh Duong

Figure 7. Ho Guom Xanh, Binh Duong

• Resilience & Adaptation: From the earliest planning stages, we integrate design strategies that effectively address the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events. This principle is fundamental to our philosophy of building resilient cities. Our solutions prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy integration, and enhanced environmental adaptability—laying the groundwork for urban environments that are both sustainable and responsive in the face of climate uncertainty.

Figure 10. TetraPot – A wave-dissipating block Designed by Sheng-Hung Lee

Proven Capabilities in Practice: Signature OasisConcept Projects in Vietnam

OasisConcept’s projects stand as clear proof of our commitment to realizing the vision of smart and sustainable urban development - effectively addressing complex challenges through innovative, integrated, and practical solutions.

• Royal Island – Phu Cuong Residence, Kien Giang: Royal Island – Phu Cuong Residence exemplifies OasisConcept’s expertise in creating large-scale, sustainable residential communities on reclaimed land. Confronted with the challenge of developing a prosperous coastal city that remains in harmony with its unique ecosystem, we proposed an innovative master plan centered on an interconnected green space network, efficient infrastructure systems, and integrated community amenities - establishing a high-quality, adaptable, and sustainable living environment for future residents.

• Phu Quy Island – Phu Cuong Residence, Kien Giang: Phu Quy Island – Phu Cuong Residence demonstrates OasisConcept’s in-depth expertise in island development and environmentally sensitive urban design. The project aims to establish a distinctive residential community guided by a commitment to respecting and preserving the island’s natural ecosystems. OasisConcept proposed integrated ecological planning solutions to ensure that development not only meets human needs but also safeguards the natural landscape, promotes ecological harmony, and enhances community well-being.

OasisConcept: Leading with Vision and Culture

At OasisConcept, we are not merely designers—we are urban visionaries. Our development philosophy is built on a foundation of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep, holistic commitment to sustainability. We pursue an integrated design approach, where architecture, master planning, and landscape design are seamlessly connected to deliver cohesive, adaptive, and high-performing spatial solutions. The corporate culture at OasisConcept fosters creative thinking, pioneering spirit, and wholehearted dedication, continuously elevating experiences and exceeding the expectations of our clients and communities.

What truly sets OasisConcept apart is our unique ability to deeply integrate local Vietnamese context with cutting-edge methodologies and global trends in planning and design. Rather than applying international models in a one-size-fits-all manner, we actively adapt and localize each solution to address specific challenges and unlock the distinct potential of every project. As a result, our design proposals consistently deliver innovative outcomes that are also culturally sensitive, environmentally appropriate, and grounded in local realities.

Conclusion

The global trajectory of coastal development is shaping an irreversible reality: land reclamation has become an essential tool in strategies for future urban expansion. However, the true success of this path depends on a fundamental shift in approach - toward sustainable, human-centered design solutions that strengthen resilience in the face of climate change.

Looking ahead, OasisConcept Architecture is ready to take a pioneering role in this transformation, through innovative approaches that shape dynamic urban communities grounded in ecological integration and social equity on newly reclaimed land. This commitment is already being realized through exemplary projects across Vietnam - from Kien Giang to Binh Dinh - where we continue to demonstrate our ability to translate visionary thinking into sustainable urban planning outcomes.