Korea III

I guess it was the entitlement of Seoul being granted the World Design Capital in 2010. But given the current economic conditions, I find it alarmingly amusing that there are so many new architectural proposals and projects. From massive retrofitting to urban planning, swift transition to adoption of green design, there are handful of ambitious projects that strike a statement for the future of Seoul and Korea. Though some are at a stage juggling concepts and ideas, and may never advance further, there is a thirst to beautify the cityscapes and engender appreciation towards good architecture and design. But while I do celebrate in Korea's willingness to invest and cater for better design, I'm somewhat skeptical and a lot of these projects appeal to me as a hit-or-miss.

Continuing from my last posts in this series, Korea and Korea II, I'll try to browse through some interesting projects and eye-candy renderings.

7. Dochodo Zoo Island

This is by far coolest project on this post. This is the modern Wonderland. Garden of Eden. Or more suiting, the eco-friendly Jurassic Park, just without the dinosaurs. But, reality check! This is just a proposal by JDS Architects. It's not an actual project; it's improbable that this proposal will be redeemed an approval any time soon. But as a concept piece and a dreamscape, it's fun to just imagine and visualize the potentials. The JDS's idea is a plan to convert Dochodo Island, located 55km off the west-southern corner of Korea, into an open zoo park. Utilizing zero-carbon transportation systems, rainwater collection sites, and composted fertilizer and biofuel, it will have zero impact on the environment. And at its center will be a polyhedron structure which will serve as the highlight of the park. Romantic, symbolizing all things natural and organic, the seemingly molecular element will house a micro-ecosystem in itself.

For those who aren't familiar, JDS Architects is one of the leading architecture firms in the sustainable design. I recommend everyone to visit their website. It's quite fun to look at even if you aren't interested in architecture or know much about the subject.

8. Digital Media City Tower

One of the most influential powerhouse architecture firms, SOM, designed the Digital Media City Tower for Seoul. An attempt shot at the ever-challenging sustainable skyscraper design, SOM's Mustafa Abadan rendered this sleek, marine-sponge-inspired building. At 640-meters tall and with 133 stories, its elongated physique emphasizes effective air circulation and the use of natural light simultaneously through its active phytoremediation walls. Once completed in 2015, it's projected to reduce overall energy spendings by 65 percent. It may not have a LEED certification yet, but once it's built it's going to lit up like a glowstick.

For your info, LEED certification is an international verification system awarded to high-performance buildings by the US Green Building Council, or USGBC. For every submitted project the USGBC will rate the building out of 100 points with statuses varying from Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), to Platinum (80-100 points).

9. Paik Nam-Jun Media Bridge

This is the vision of the new Paik Nam-Jun Media Bridge by the architecture firm Planning Korea. Like an arm that reaches out to its citizens, at one adjacent end is the National Assembly of Korea complex. It's a bridge that symbolizes a connection to and unification of the individuals and the nation as a whole, though it's more than just a regular bridge. The Paik Nam-Jun Bridge will be a host to a public library, a botanic garden, a museum, a virtual shopping mall, a shipyard, and a media center all in one. This highly ambitious project with a minimum budget starting at $400 million, once completed, is set to become a modern pinnacle not just in Korea but in the world. It'll also feature horizontal and vertical green spaces and solar panel skins for harvesting water and energy, respectively.

Personally, I'm baffled by this project. I don't like parametric design, its over-expenditures, and its complete lack of restraint. It's a showcase piece. But then, I've never had a chance to have a meal or a coffee 8-stories high above the bridge. Or go on a virtual shopping spree. While I'm not an adamant disbeliever I remain skeptical for the most part.

10. Rethinking the Garak Wholesale Market

The Garak Wholesale Market is the place I most frequently visit, save for my Daejeon home. And no, it's not for all the fresh broccoli and organic lime juice I drink. I kid; I like broccoli but I don't think I'd want to drink it. Plus, I don't even drink juice. Just coffee and coke, or both at once. Anyways, cut to the chase, I visit Garak Market every so often because my grandparents live around the neighborhood.

131 acres of grass. Managed in 3 construction phases, the first phase is due 2013 with a budget of approximately $300 million. The overhaul of current Garak Market is projected to reduce its energy usurp by at least 30 percent, but moreover, it will provide an infrastructure to more than just a market. Education centers, gardens, farms, shopping malls, and parks. The proposal by Samoo Architects & Engineers has already been approved and the construction is due to start in the coming April.

All images and content used in this post were retrieved from the following sites: Inhabitat, The Hankyoren, SOM, Build Your Bridge, Hankook Kyungjae, e-architect, and Arch Daily.