SSAMZI EG I L
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The vertical extension of a street
3, 4, 5 & G. Moongyu ChoĂ (Yonsei University)+ Ga.A Architects + Gabriel Kroiz. Ssamziegil. Fotografia[photographj:Yang Kwan KĂm.
The name of the building - Ssamziegil - came fr om its owners, Ssamzie Co., and the Korean word "Gil," meaning street in Korean. The building is located in lnsa-dong where the fabric and scale of o/d Seoul sti/1remains. Although most buildings in lnsa-dongarefairly new, peoplefind the o/d streets and alleywaysof the district teeming with galleriesand antique shops quite attractive. Because of the peculiar condition of the area, the site was classifiedas a special zone requiringdetailed design regulations regardingbuilding height, courtyard size and soforth. The reason why peoplejlock to lnsadong is partiallydue to its various museums and souvenirshops. But the main charm of Jnsa-dongis that it's one offew remaining pedestrianfriendly streets in Seoul. During weekendswhen the street turns into a "car free zone," Jnsa-dongswarms with thousands of visitors.The main promenade in the districtis lnsa-dong Street, which connects the whole area and leads off to a maze of side streets. The idea of a placefor "people to meet people" was the source of inspiration in developinga building that becomes a street in itself.As a result, the verticalextension of lnsa-dongside streets and alleyways became the Ssamziegil building. The whole design of the buildingis quite simpie. ln arderto give the buildinga street presenceandfeel, it hasfive major entrances into the courtyardfrom each side. The courtyardfunctions not only as a meeting point but also as a restingspot. Dijferentpaths into the buildinglead to a largedeck on the secondjloor which can be accessed throughthe grand stair and is used as a communal space with shops, seatsand an arena. Fromthe deck, onefollows the gently sloping ramp (1/20-1/25)that overlookslnsa-dongStreet or the courtyard. The horizontallyaligned Jnsa-dongis thus verticallyexpanded and encouragescommunication with side streets, shops and last but not least with people. To hui/d the new building, ali the materiais used in the o/d structurewere carefullyscrutinized and the materiais that did not fit into the context were o.ffloaded.The selection of materiais was limited by those that are either natural or kept their originalcolors,which set the interiordesign outline. The Ssamziegil project has been very successfulas a piece of urbanfabrics andas a multifunction bui/ding.
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Location:38 GwanhunDong,JongnoGu, Seoul, Korea Design: started 2002; completed 2004 Site Area: 1,503.2 m Building Footprint: 894 . 06 m ' Total FloorArea: 4 065. 01 m' Floors:Two be/ow ground,four above ground Structure: R.C. Program: Mixed-usedfacility 2
55m
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Moongyu Choi
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