17.changwoo.indd 176
17.changwoo.indd 176 30-01-2006 14:51:2330-01-2006 14:51:23
17.changwoo.indd 177
17.changwoo.indd 177 30-01-2006 14:51:2430-01-2006 14:51:24
178
Th e city of Seoul is one of the most dynamic of world cities. Within a relatively short span of time, the life of the average citizen has changed dramatically. Not only has the city seen rapid social changes, but rapid urban and spatial transformations as well.
Th is design research begins by identifying a very specifi c 'urban phenomenon' existing at both the architectural and urban scales within the city: a mega-structure known as the Seun Electronic Shopping Mall, which cuts a kilometer long incision through the heart of the city center. Th e buildings and their surroundings have not adapted well to contemporary commercial demands and the new dynamics of mobility. Currently, this stretch of 4 buildings, approximately 50 x 200 meters each, is being considered for demolition. Th ey provide an intolerable environment for commercial exchange and their malfunctioning creates a brutal 'urban blockage' condition. As an 'urban phenomenon' they demand our sensitive observation and critical response.
178
17.changwoo.indd 178
17.changwoo.indd 178 30-01-2006 14:51:2930-01-2006 14:51:29
Th e buildings currently perform at the urban scale, but even the sectional scale expresses succinctly the urban dilemma this architectural object manifests. Research and design tries to deal with the problems that this building imposes at both the city and local scales, while refusing the idea that demolition is the only solution. Th is mega-structure may be capable of changing the area eff ectively on the basis of existing socio-economic realities, and of guaranteeing on-going development in this declining area.
Th e work proposed here operates from a double premise: Firstly, that the radical erasure of the building will leave a stretch of vacant land 50 meters by 1 kilometer long. Th is will presumably create another form of incision, which does not guarantee a sensitive or viable urban intervention for the area. It will however, successfully erase a signifi cant aspect of Seoul's architectural history.
Secondly, that there is an important 'renewal' problem to address, which involves the adaptation of the building's modern architectural typology to a new urban dynamics.
179
17.changwoo.indd 179
17.changwoo.indd 179 30-01-2006 14:51:3230-01-2006 14:51:32
Outline of 'renewal project's' initial steps:
1: Th e project intends to improve the urgent problem of insuffi cient connections with its context and poor lighting created by the useless deck plate located above the parallel streets. Th e removal of parts and the shifting of the existing core of the building to the edges are the initial design actions. Th ese openings in the building's edge off er new conditions where pedestrians can move along and across the axis of the buildings.
2: A new building skin and signifi cant alterations to the building interior will introduce new open and fl uid spatial confi gurations and bring a new image. Treating the facade as a porous membrane while utilizing aspects of its surface for advertisement and signage will not only alter the interior-exterior relation but will also become part of the dynamics of information by which the commercial district will identify itself to the city. Th e massive building will open up its circulation and programmatic possibilities to off er a more complex yet well defi ned space which is integral with its surroundings.
3. Th e mono-functionality of the Seun Mall is a problem to be corrected. Th is research developed a programmatic analysis of the area and identifi ed various functions which could promote alternative activity patterns and transform the current situation. Th ese new programs and uses will help insert a new life into an currently inactive place. Furthermore, since the analysis of this historic center suggests the Seun district can accept other programs such as wedding shops, food courts, retail shops and entertainment activities, they are proposed to 'jump-start' the urban transformation.
180
17.changwoo.indd 180
17.changwoo.indd 180 30-01-2006 14:51:3630-01-2006 14:51:36
181
4. Th e new intervention will act as a catalyst to change other private buildings in the neighboring area. Th e eff ect will stimulate the area to become more diverse in its activities by way of its improved cross connections.
5. A new process of urban development is suggested in this project. An urban process is promoted and stimulated for the renewal of Seun Mall and its surroundings. Th e building itself and its redevelopment is used to direct this process. Th e actions of owners of the surrounding district are engaged through the way the building, as it is redeveloped, opens possibilities for the future development of their own properties. Public investment, policy, regulation, and the master plan are coordinated towards the opening up of the district in terms of accessibility and commercial possibility. Th e building is a physical section through the area which is used to change the conditions of functional-spatial possibility for the whole area.
Architecture in this project is directly related to an urbanistic goal. Th is relationship shows it is not possible to solve the problem by concentrating simply on the architectonic or the urbanistic aspect of the intervention. Architecture can become an eff ective factor to change the surroundings of a project – as improved urban conditions contribute to accelerating the commercial renewal of the building itself. In the case of the Seun Area Renewal, the orchestration of these two aspects promotes the further urban development and positive transformation of the city.
181
17.changwoo.indd 181
17.changwoo.indd 181 30-01-2006 14:51:4030-01-2006 14:51:40
182182
17.changwoo.indd 182
17.changwoo.indd 182 30-01-2006 14:51:4530-01-2006 14:51:45
183
17.changwoo.indd 183
17.changwoo.indd 183 30-01-2006 14:51:5030-01-2006 14:51:50