The vision for the arch is expressed in a unique and exceptional architecture inspired by traditional and contemporary Vietnamese culture and symbols, which through its distinctive sculptural form will continue to remain relevant for generations to come. It is a celebration of the Vietnamese community’s success in the City of Maribyrnong.
Importantly, the Welcome Arch is an iconic sculpture: a unique form that will become representative of the story of Vietnamese settlement in Footscray, adding to its renown and attracting visitors to the precinct. This is a new type of urban monument: hopeful and playful, as well as serious; one that is not generation specific. This is a unique place, evocative of the Vietnamese community’s history, a memorable symbol of thanks and friendship, and above all, a lasting monument to this community’s success.
The architectural expression employs and evokes several motifs that resonate with the Vietnamese community and culture: a pair of cranes, the shell of the turtle, the bronze drum (Trong dong Dong Son), the boat, the egg (Lac Long Quan Au Co Legend). The pair of cranes standing on the back of a turtle often appears in traditional Vietnamese temples. This represents a symbol of friendship and harmony (such as between Vietnam and Australia) as well as a symbol of the enduring power, strength and longevity representing the journey of the many Vietnamese who have come to settle here in Australia.
