HOW TO UPGRADE A LOST PLACE
JONG-AM SQUARE EXERCISE AND SOCIAL ROOM IN SEOUL
Location Seoul, South Korea Client / operator Seoul Metropolitan Government Architects Simplex Architecture KR – Seoul www.simplex-arch.com Author Simplex Architecture Photos Kyungsub Shin Official opening 2020 28
The space beneath overpasses is generally neglected or misused as as car parks or for waste disposal, ruining the aesthetics of a city and presenting issues to public safety and crime prevention. In 2017, Seoul Metropolitan Government promoted a development plan to expand social infrastructure and local community facilities by making use of the spaces beneath overpasses. Six pilot project sites were selected. The space beneath the Jongam-dong Overpass was implemented as part of the projects. The wooden structure welcomes residents for exercise, culture, and social gatherings. The abandoned space under the Jongam-dong Overpass is surrounded by roads 15-20 m wide. This section of the highway is generally congested due to its location as an intersection between the two expressways. The three quarters near to the site are home to large residential complexes and educational facilities, but with almost no public space such as parks and green spaces. The new facility was proposed to serve as a community space and shelter.
Stable flow of pedestrians The site, connecting two pedestrian crossings of awkward configuration, is connected to the pedestrian ramp leading to the nearby river and serves to manage the continual flow of pedestrians. The existing decking and central fountain - which used to block the access circulation in three directions were removed, and a building of segmented form was positioned there. Located on the inside, the creative yard and shelter are part of the public sb 4/2022