LIVING THE GREEN SOUL OF GWACHEON
open competition for new residential area in GWACHEON
Location: GWACHEON, Seoul, Korea
offices: de Architekten Cie., Basta urbanism,SAMOOCM ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS
team: Prisca Arosio, K. Paul Cha, Ignacio Florez, Bas Horsting, Minnari Jungmin Lee, Branimir MediĆ, Ante Suric
program: 1221 apartments between 50 sqm and 110 sqm - residential 628.964 sqm gfa, offices 481.025 sqm sfa, retail 57.442 sqm gfa, other 76.960 sqm gfa
2020
The Gwacheon plan promotes a new type of Seoul residential blocks. It combines high urban density with the beauty of the countryside and nature. Our inspiration is rooted in the old Korean tradition of high society courtyard housing. Both Dutch and Korean urban planning heritage are combined in its excellence.
The new model is a hybrid block created by combining the 19th century urbanity of boulevards and traditional organic narrow Seoul streetscape. Contrasts of scale and geometry provide a great spectrum of diverse urban experiences.
The block perimeter is composed of a series of individual apartment buildings. Variations in heights provide two different qualities. Ground related apartments and common spaces with an intensive relation with streets and the green courtyard. The upper part is characterised by 40 to 60 m high elegant towers in check board formation to provide tremendous views to the mountains.
The new model is a hybrid block created by combining the19th century urbanity of boulevards and traditional organic narrow Seoul streetscape. Contrasts of scale and geometry provide a great spectrum of diverse urban experiences.The block perimeter is composed of a series of individual apartment buildings. Variations in heights provide two different qualities. Ground related apartments and common spaces with an intensive relation with streets and the green courtyard. The upper part is characterised by 40 to 60 mhigh elegant towers in check board formation to provide tremendous views to the mountains.Typical block is divided by narrow organic pathways into three smaller sub blocks. It creates several smaller communities within one block. It is important for a sense of belonging. This common courtyards provide additional comfort for its inhabitants. The facilities for the neighborhood are located in the corners and at the gate entrances.
