SEOUL'S GREEN RENAISSANCE
a vision for a natural, breathing space within Seoul's center
Background
Seoul embodies its culture through many representations. These typologies are often zoned together across the city, attracting tourists and citizens alike. However, the city lacks a key component - greenery (environmental symbolism). Grey facades line every corner and the absence of nature leads to various issues detrimentally affecting the sense of liveability in Seoul, South Korea.
Site Selection - Songhyeon Green Plaza
Located in the heart of the city, the site (currently a vast, turfed land) stands out from its dull surroundings due to the absence of urban development, a complete 180 contrast. It also possesses a rich history, dating back to the 1700s where its identity, a “Hill of Pine”, also inspired its name.
Site Context - Zoning and User Demographics
Design Objectives and Strategies
Site Context - Topography and Surrounding Mountains
Current Section
Proposed Section
The site sits between two large mountains. Activating the once-barren land and transforming it into an accessible mini-mountain or hill builds upon the strong cultural narrative present in the city, aiding in presenting itself as a key landmark.
Forest Leisure Park
The design develops in phases, allowing the site and its forest to develop as the community's needs grow.
Beginning with the idea of restoring the site's distinct environmental identity, simple pathways are first constructed, leading visitors through a "natural" experience that prioritises nature.
Over time, modular spaces are integrated, transforming the site into a "forest leisure park" that celebrates the harmony between people and nature.
Programmes Across the Day
Activation of spaces across the day, demonstrating the site's ability to serve the community's social needs while restoring the site's ecological heritage.
Establishing a Forest System
A Diverse, Multi-tiered Structure
Tree Forms
Healthy forests consist of various tree species and plant families, each possessing their own distinct characteristics and forms.
This diverse celebration of nature entices visitors to explore the park, admiring unique aspects of Seoul’s natural history.
This proposal also foresees the site’s potential to act as a Tree Bank or Nursery.
This allows for more human-centric spaces to develop on site once trees are removed, but also supports Seoul’s move towards restoring urban greenery across the city by providing “instant trees” where needed.
