SIERRA MCCORMICK MASTERS THESIS DOCUMENT SACD 2020

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양육의 집 yang ● yug ● ui jib

House of Nurture

A center for North Korean Defectors to grow and flourish with proper support and care.

2020 Masters Thesis | Sierra McCormick

:

양육의 집 House of Nurture A Masters Thesis Document by Sierra McCormick University of South Florida School of Architecture and Community Design 2020 Thesis Chair: Stanley Russel Professor of Architecture University of South Florida Thesis Committee: Dan Powers Professor of Architecture University of South Florida Beverly Frank Principal Architect BFRANK Studio

2020 Masters Thesis | Sierra McCormick

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Created by: Sierra McCormick M. Arch sierramcc@hotmail.com 727.403.7220

TABLE OF CONTENTS p. 06

BEGINNINGS

p. 08

ABSTRACT

p. 010

STATEMENT OF ISSUE

p. 016

AREAS OF STUDY

p. 024

SITE

p. 038

PROGRAM ELEMENTS

p. 040

HOUSING

p. 060

PRECEDENT STUDIES

p. 066

FIGURES LIST

p. 068

REFERENCES

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BEGINNINGS

Fig. 01

My passion to pursue this project began in Advanced Design A With Dan Powers. Our assigned project was to create a ‘Library of Lost Memories’.

We had complete freedom to chose the focus of our library and I chose to focus on the people of North Korea, the millions of lives we will have never known and will never know who have fallen victim to the borders they are confined within. I researched their lives and horrors they experience on a daily basis, the famine of the 90’s that lead to the death of thousands, the political complexities that lead to the korean war and was infuriated. I dived into a rabbit hole of research and knew I wanted to continue this further.

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Fig. 02

Fig. 03

ABSTRACT

09

“North Korea is an unimaginable country.�

from there travelling by bus or foot to Thailand, or Mon-

Yeonmi Park, a defector from North Korea, says in her

golia where they will be sent to South Korea. Due to

speech speaking on the horrific things she had to en-

China’s relations with North Korea, Defectors face re-

dure and her journey escaping North Korea. The coun-

patriation by the chinese government, where they will

try is an enigma, It is completely closed off from the rest

be sent back to North Korea, and face harsh repercus-

of the world, no information is to be brought in or out,

sions.

and no travel in or out. The rest of the world is forced

to grasp at the bits of information they send into the

immediately are entered into the South Korean pro-

world, compelled to construct their own conclusions.

cessing system, which has three steps. They are initially

Confined within the borders of this small country there

interrogated to understand their background, they then

are millions of people suffering, thousands of which

are sent into a three month program at the Hanawon

have attempted to escape, and far fewer have succeed-

Resettlement Center, Hanawon translates to House of

ed. The lives they are forced to inhabit there and the

Unity. Here they re-educate defectors, and help to pre-

perilous journey taken by those that have fled North

pare them for life in the modern world. Finally, they are

Korea is truly something no human being should have to

given a stipend to begin their lives. This system is very

endure, especially as a result of their birthplace. North

generous compared to other refugee programs, but

Koreans are force fed propaganda and lies from birth,

does not address the plethora of long term issues that

infecting every piece of their lives. This, hand in hand

defectors face. The issues consist of continuing men-

with the country being completely cut off from modern

tal and physical health issues, discrimination and stig-

news and technology, have created an ever tightening

ma from South Koreans, severe educational and tech-

grip on its people. A North Korean does not have the

nological disparity, difficulty finding and holding work,

choice to reject or protest the regime, and even a whiff

struggle with financial stability, lack of a strong social

of someone thinking so could condemn them to years

network and family, and unbelieviebly homesickness.

in a labor camp or execution, depending on your class.

My project would be a replacement of the final step in

Those that have the courage to escape are like-

the existing process to address these long term issues

ly to face sexual assualt, rape, and are often sold into

with a network of facilities that are scattered through-

human trafficking as wives or as slave labor. The paths

out South Korea that will encompass a transitional living

taken by defectors to eventually reach freedom are long

facility, a healthcare facility, an educational center, com-

and arduous. The most common routes are escaping

mercial space, and a space for advocacy.

through the North Korean and Chinese Border and

If a defector does make it to South Korea they

Fig. 04

STATEMENT OF ISSUE

011 North Korea is like an ominous shadow hanging over the heads of many Americans and South Koreans alike. With the consistent influx of bizarre news and threats that comes from

“North Korea is an unusual place. Everybody knows they do things differently to everyone else. What we ignore is that there is life for 24 million people there.”

-Alvaro Longoria,

North Korea, we don’t often think about the millions of people actually forced to live through it all. North Korea is one of the few true communist countries that still exists today, taking their forms of propaganda and censorship to the extremes, integrating it all every aspects of life. The news media, entertainment, and even the education system are key tools in this.

The biggest hit to that system and people’s faith in the regime came with the famine that began in the 1990’s. Unfortunate-

The Propaganda Game

ly, the supply of food is still a huge issue today, generations suffering from starvation and malnutrition. Starting in the early 2000’s there was a steady increase in defectors, that then took a sharp downturn in 2012 following Kim Jung Il’s death

technology, cultural shock, mental health issues, finding work,

in December of 2011. As more people began to escape North

lack of support network, and many others. South Korea has

Korea through their border shared with China, more and more

a very generous reintegration process, giving them monetary

people began to see through the lies they were being fed. The

support and guidance, but lacks the funds and infrastructure

escape routes became increasingly more complex with chi-

to support the other issues that come along with defecting.

na becoming progressively stricter on border policy and has

evolved into the form of an Underground Railroad. The levels

paganda and the gullibility of the people. But consider that

of safety and comfort you can expect on this journey out of

their indoctrination began in infancy, during the fourteen-hour

North Korea hinges on the amount of money you are able to

days spent in factory day-care centers; that for the subsequent

front. Some must travel by foot, hitch hiking through china,

fifty years, every song, film, newspaper article, and billboard

while others are actually able to fly. These trips are usually

was designed to deify Kim Il-sung; that the country was her-

planned by Chinese Brokers that will aid them in different ways

metically sealed to keep out anything that might cast doubt on

again depending on what they are able to spend. Defectors

Kim Il-sung’s divinity. Who could possibly resist?” It is difficult

that are able to make it to South Korea, though the various

to imagine a world where we are unable to inform ourselves,

means of travel, have several issues reintegrating into society.

hear different opinions and sides to each story we hear, or

These include a lack of skills and understanding of modern

even speak freely on our government, but Demick

Demick writes, “We laugh at the excesses of the pro-

eloquently puts the situation in perspective in her book de-

validity of what they had learned all their lives, was North Ko-

tailing many different defectors’ lives. The Kim regime controls

rea the best country in the world? Were they better off than

every form of entertainment, news, educational material, art,

everywhere else? Were they ever? Hundreds of thousands of

etc. The country is shaped to fit what the Regime wants, and

North Koreans died from starvation, malnutrition, and exhaus-

there is no way for any citizen to see any competing perspec-

tion. The situation was and is so severe that it has caused long

tives due to the lack of any outside influence. No internet, no

term physical impacts across generations of stunted growth.

international news, no outside books that are not about North

The famine inspired capitalistic traits, trading services or pos-

Korean history or the Regime. Locally there are groups in every

sessions for food, which was punished brutally. This incited

town or village that report back to the local government au-

increasing amounts of defection from North Korea across the

thority of any conspiracy, shameful actions, illegal activity, or

Chinese border. The lack of food has not gotten much better

any negative talk at all regarding the regime. Being the subject

and due to the abundance of these illegal markets at this time,

of this could result in being sentenced to work camps for vari-

they have stood the test of time and this is still going on today.

ous amounts of time, months to years, or worse, public execu-

tion. Propaganda in North Korea focuses on two main things,

strange and dangerous place. The border was initiated by Rus-

the deification of the Kim Regime and the demonization of the

sia and The United States almost immediately after World War

The border between North and South Korea is a

United States and South Korea. North Korea preaches that the United States and South Korea were the side that began the Korean war and that they are still at war to this day. Factually of course, North Korea and Russia were the aggressors in the Korean War.

“There are three free benefits in North Korea: Free

housing, free medical care and free education. Although there is free medical care, there is no medicine to cure, and with free housing you cannot choose where you want to live and with free education you have to learn the ideology of the regime even if you don’t want to.” In the North Korean System, the government provides you with your food per week. This was a normal part of a North Koreans routine, but beginning in the 90’s, they were slowly given less and less food, until they were given nothing at all. People started to question the

“...the strength of the regime came from its ability to isolate its own citizens completely.”

-Barbara Demick,

Nothing to Envy

013

II and was decided by using the Longitudinal mark known as the 38th Parallel. Russia was designated the north, and the United States claimed the South. Years later, Russia and the North attacked the South which began the Korean War. This is the meeting ground for all world leaders that meet with Kim Jong Un including the South Korean President, Moon Jae In, and our own Donald Trump. The border is heavily guarded and has miles of mine fields on both sides. Despite this there have been many escape attempts through this border, unfortunately not too much success.

The methods of defecting have become much more

systematic and depending on what you are able to pay you can travel safely and relatively easily, or it can be life threaten-

“I was fifteen years old, but after missing so much school, I scored at a second-grade math level and was even worse at reading and writing. I had to start my education over, from the beginning.”

-Yeonmi Park,

In Order to Live

ingly difficult. In the book Nothing to Envy, Demick describes a woman’s trip on a plane from China to South Korea where she was able to safely travel and become a citizen thanks to

‘foot’ to be able to achieve true freedom is to travel all the way

her daughter in South Korea who was able to pay a large sum

down the coast of China, through Laos and Vietnam, and final-

of money to a Chinese broker to make it possible. She also de-

ly end up in Thailand where their policy is to deport all North

scribes a man’s journey of hitchhiking along the Chinese coast

Koreans to South Korea. The voyage a defector takes is likely

down to Thailand so that he could be deported to South Korea.

the most dangerous and horrific experience that they will ever

He had to travel across the Gobi Desert, where he lost a mem-

go through. They often are sold into human trafficking rings

ber of his group, a young boy, due to dehydration. Yeonmi Park

as wives, slave labor, or prostitution. Alongside that they are

also describes in her speech her trip in a similar manner, where

often victims of sexual assault and rape by the people that are

as she too crossed the Gobi Desert. It is unimaginable the pain

aiding in their escape. Their decision to defect unfortunately

and fear they must have experienced on those journeys. “We

does not only just affect them, in North Korea, there is a class

were prepared to kill ourselves if we were going to be sent

system known as Songbun, with three levels based solely on

back to North Korea. We wanted to live as humans…” Yeonmi

your loyalty to the regime. Your songbun dictates your job,

Park said in her speech. It has become much more dangerous

your housing, your access to food, and much more. When a

with the increased security on the Chinese border and the

family member defects, it will affect the songbun of all of their

repatriation policy in China. The only way for a defector, on

family members and cause them to suffer, and in some cases

‘family members will serve the punishment of the member who has fled. This is a huge reason why many do not leave, especially those in lower levels. Finally, even if they are able to get beyond the borders of North Korea, due to China’s relations with them, they face repatriation by the Chinese government.

If caught China will send them back to north Korea where they will face years in labor camps or possibly execution. The most common escape route is by foot/bus to either Mongolia or Thailand where if they are caught, they will be sent to South Korea. Demographically, the majority of defectors are women between the ages of 20 and 50, and every year there is a consistent number of defectors between the range of 1000 and 1500, with a total around 33,000 today. This number is only accounting for those that have made it to south Korea, it is speculated that throughout china there are likely between 100,000 and 300,000 undocumented.

Finally, when a defector does make it to South Korea,

they will begin the process in place in South Korea to aid in resettlement. The system is one of the most generous in the world in regards to caring for refugees, due to their unique situation. As of today, the system implemented is three steps.

The first is a rigorous interrogation process to evaluate their background. After they are approved through this process, they are sent to a three-month re-education camp, where they are unable to leave. This is known as the Hanawon Resettlement Center. Hanawon means House of Unity. Here they essentially go through a crash course on how to function in modern society in regards to technology, understanding the work force, and correcting the false education they received in North Korea. And finally, after they have graduated from this

“‘The agent tried to change the subject. “So what do you plan to do in South Korea?”

Without hesitating, I said, “ I want to study and go to university.”

He snorted with surprise and said, “Oh I don’t think you can do that.” Then he added, “But I suppose everyone should get a second chance.”

A second chance?

I thought a second chance is what criminals get. I knew I wasn’t a criminal; I did what I had to do to survive and save my family.’”

-Yeonmi Park,

In Order to Live

015

they are given a personal and housing stipend to help them

of crimes against humanity that the people of North Korea are

get started financially. The issues that I found in my research

forced to experience is horrific, and with my project I hope to

with this system is that it does not address the long-term is-

aid in at least one piece of the plethora of injustices they will

sues that defectors experience in their new lives, these are

go through. I hope with my project I can shed some light on

long term mental and physical health issues such as PTSD,

these issues facing these unknown people trapped inside of

depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. As well as Discrim-

the Hermit Kingdom, and the continued problems they face

ination from South Koreans, being treated like second class

after they having bravely fought to escape the grasp of the

citizens. In an interview with a defector who currently lives in

Kim Regime.

South Korea on this subject, he said, “I was surprised at the reality of South Korea compared to my anticipation. I thought it would be the start of my happiness, but it was the start of a hard life. the Toughest was to feel the eyes of south Koreans and the stereotypes.” Along with these, they must also overcome the stark educational disparity they have in the realm of academics and technology. When Yeonmi Park arrived in South Korea, she was tested on her educational level and as a 15-year-old girl she was deemed to have the education of a second grader. They also have immense difficulty finding and holding down work, and because of this, and high living costs in Seoul, they struggle with financial stability. Seoul is where the majority of defectors currently reside. With this, they also lack a strong social network, and due to the hopelessness, they feel because of the many hardships they face right away, many suffer from a homesickness for North Korea.

With my project I will be addressing the long term

issues faced by Defectors by proposing a replacement for the current systems step 3 with a network of facilities that are scattered throughout south Korea that will encompass a transitional living facility, a health care facility, an educational center, commercial space, and a space for advocacy. The decades

“Dr. Kim couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen a bowl of pure white rice.

What was a bowl of rice doing there, just sitting out on the ground? She figured it out just before she heard the dog’s bark ...

But now she couldn’t deny what was staring her plainly in the face: dogs in China ate better than doctors in North Korea.”

-Barbara Demick, Nothing to

Envy

AREAS OF STUDY

PANMUNJOM

Fig. 05

I began my research addressing three areas that directly affect the North Korean people.

Firstly, I researched the border between North and South Korea known as the Demilitarized Zone, or Panmunjom.

The border is a dangerous and mystifying place. This is the meeting ground for all world leaders that meet with Kim Jong Un including the South Korean President, Moon Jae In, and our own Donald Trump. As many know, there is no travel in or out of Noth Korea except in special circumstances that are essentially only for the elite members of the government.

The border is heavily armed and has miles of mine fields on either side. Despite this there have been many escape attempts through this border, unfortunately not to much success. The two countries are still technically at war.

017

Fig. 06

Fig. 07

JOURNEY

Fig. 08

Secondly, I researched the Journey Defectors actually have to take to eventually reach South Korea. This voyage is likely the most dangerous and horrific experience that a defector will ever go through. There are many different ways to escape, some much safer and comfortable than others and that is dictated by how much money you are able to pay and who you know. Their decision to defect unfortunately does not only just affect them, in North Korea, there is a class system known as Songbun, with three levels based solely on your loyalty to the regime. Your songbun dictates your job, your housing, your access to food, and much more. When a family member defects, it will affect the songbun of all of their family members and cause them to suffer, and in some cases family members will serve the punishment of the member who has fled. This is a huge reason why many do not leave, especially those in lower levels. Finally, even if they are able to get beyond the borders of North Korea, due to China’s relations with them, they face repatriation by the Chinese government. If caught china will send them back to North Korea where they will face years in labor camps or possibly execution. The most common escape route is by foot/ bus to either Mongolia or Thailand where if they are caught, they will be sent to South Korea.

019

Fig. 09

Demographically, the majority of defectors are women between the ages of 20 and 50, and every year there is a consistent number of defectors between the range of 1000 and 1500, with a total around 33,000 today. This number is only accounting for those that have made it to south Korea, it is speculated that throughout china there are likely between 100,000 and 300,000 undocumented.

- Due to the illegality, defectors are often taken advantage of and sold into human trafficking rings as wives, slave labor, prostitutes, etc.

- Many experience sexual assualt and rape.

- Defectors also face the threat of repatration due to China’s relations with North Korea and are never truly safe in China.

- If they are repatriated they face years in labor camps or excecution depending on their songbun/class level.

- When a family member defects it does not only put that person in danger, but affects the family they have left behind by lowering their songbun and they could face being punished in the place of the member that escaped. This is why many do not even try to leave.

INTEGRATION After defectors finally reach south korea, it is unfortunately not the perfect salvation those often imagine. Apart from being incredibly behind academically and technologically, they face discrimination on all fronts, as well as long term mental health disorders that they will often deal with for the rest of their lives. With my project I am focusing on the issues that defectors face in this stage of their lives, post arriving in South Korea. The current system in South Korea is quite generous compared to any other countries policy regaurding refugees, due to their unique situation, but is seriously lacking in aiding defectors after their 3 moth program. My project will give them a place to grow and receive a proper start on their new lives.

The longterm issues my project adresses is as follows: - Long term mental and physical health issues EX: PTSD Depression, Anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and malnutrition.

- Discrimination and stigma from South koreans, treated as second class citizens.

- Educational disparity in the realm of technology and academics.

-Difficulty finding work, short and long term, due to discrimination and educational disparity.

-Struggle with finacial stability post processing due to high living costs in Seoul with little to no income.

-Lack of strong social network and family.

- Many are so shocked by the hardships they face they have thoughts of returning to North Korea.

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CURRENT SYSTEM

PROPOSAL

1. DEFECTORS ARE PROCESSED AND INTERROGATED, TO FIND OUT BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THEIR LIVES IN NK.

ESSENTIALLY A REFORM OF STEP 3, REPLACING IT WITH A NETWORK OF FACILITIES ACCROSS SOUTH KOREA THAT ENCOMPASS:

2. DEFECTORS ARE THEN SENT TO A 3 MONTH RE-EDUCATION CAMP (HANAWON RESETTLEMENT CENTER) TO PREPARE THEM FOR LIFE IN SK, AND THE WORK FORCE.

1. TRANSITIONAL HOUSING 2. HEALTH CARE

-PHYSICAL, NUTRITIONAL AND MENTAL. 3. EDUCATIONAL AID

-TUTORING, TECHNOLOGY, JOB TRAINING. 4. PUBLIC INTEGRATION

-COLLABORATIVE WORK SPACE, BUSINESS INCUBATORS, FOOD, RETAIL ETC.

-PROVIDES JOBS, AND CONSISTENT INTERACTION WITH GENERAL PUBLIC TO EXPAND SOCIAL NETWORK. 5. ADVOCACY - A SPACE FOR EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AND TO HOST EVENTS AND SPEAKERS.

3. FINALLY, THEY ARE GIVEN A HOUSING AND PERSONAL STIPEND TO BEGIN THEIR LIVES FINACIALLY.

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Fig. 010

This screen system is integrated throughout the project. It is a panel system made of local korean pine wood, which is abundant, and is what is utilized in traditional construction of the Koeran Hanok. Each panel that interlocks within the frame will have the words to the folk song Arirang. This song is known by every korean, no matter age, or location.

It is a song that represents a whole Korea. The two Koreas marched as one to this song during the 2018 Olympics opening ceremonies. This song has thousands of different versions varying by location, but the common standard is the Seoul version, which is what is carved into each panel.

The wall will be made of a system of interlocking panels allowing for easy and less expensive on site construction.

Fig. 011

SITE

025

SEOUL, SK

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

SINCHON-DONG

GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE SEOUL STATION

YEOUIDO PARK

Fig. 012

N. SEOUL TOWER

CHOOSING A SITE

027

I chose to travel to Seoul and use an area here for my site because the majority of defectors currently live here and this project will be avaliable as a resource and housing option for not only new defectors, but defectors already living in South Korea.

With these diagrams I highlighted the district I will be locating my site, and its proximity to ladnmarks throughout the city of Seoul.

My goal when chosing my site was to incorporate my project into under-utilized land within an area that was up and coming. For these reasons, and the prestigious universities that surround it I chose Sinchon-Dong.

SINCHON-DONG

YONSEI UNIVERSITY EWHA WOMENS UNIVERSITY SINCHON STATION FASHION DISTRICT

Fig. 013

SITE ANALYSIS

Fig. 014

Sinchon-dong is a lower density area surrounded by two of the best universities in South Korea, Yonsei University and Ewha Women’s University. I chose this land highlighted here because it is currently underdeveloped and its proximity to Sinchon station. This station is only a few stops from Seoul Station, which is akin to grand central in New York city. The topography, gradually gets higher as you move from east to west, with a large hill located in the southern area of my site.

029

TOPOGRAPHY

Fig. 015

Fig. 016

YONSEI UNIVERSITY

I chose to be near Ewha Womens Univerysity and Yonsei University because I wanted to encourage the pursuit of education and knowledge that defectors often feel is impossible to reach and accomplish because South Korea has one of the most rigorous educational systems in the world. In addition to that I wanted to be in an area that had lower density as opposed to a very urban environment as to ease them into this life.

EWHA WOMENS UNIVERSITY

I utilized these diagrams in creating my site plan, and understanding the forms and layout of these universities that are directly adjactent to my site.

Fig. 017

031

Fig. 018

In creating my site plan, I pulled from the diagrams I created and the surrounding forms on the site. From here I had an idea of how I wanted to layout my program, and had planned how I wanted to react to the railroad. I chose to create public spaces for commerce beneath the railroad, the open into open air plazas surrounded by my intervention. In my travels, I have seen this done, more informally usually, and it creates a unique and lively atmosphere.

SITE SKETCHES

033

Fig. 019

Fig. 020

ADVOCACY

COMMERCIAL/EDUCATION Fig. 021

HOUSING/HEALTH

035

SITE PLAN

My biggest challenge with this site was addressing the railroad, but I wanted to make this area, what used to be quite an eye sore of overgrowth surrounding the rails, into an interesting urban landscape. I created these offset buildings wrapping underneath the railroad and carved into the land below to create plaza space. Here is my final site plan where I designated each area in association with my program elements.

I chose to place the commercial space along the railroad to liven this area, this area is already undergoing a revitalization, and this project would aid in that. I chose to place my Housing and Health center on that seperate lot due to the noise of the railroad and to give the residents more privacy, for their safety and comfort. This area is not but a 5 minute walk to Sinchon Station and the rest of the campus.

Fig. 022

037

MASSING MODEL

I utilized my massing model to understand the contours of the land and how I could use those to my advantage. You can see more clearly here my vision of a building wrapping underneath the railroad. The housing development, to allow for ample light between the three small towers, are stepped going down the countour of the hill on this portion of my site.

HOUSING - Transitional, 12-18 months post Hanawon Graduation.

- In a more private area seperated from rest of campus but still only a 5 minute walk to sinchon station and rest of campus.

PROGRAM ELEMENTS

- Connected to health center due to amenities and privacy.

HEALTH - Mental health counseling and group therapy.

- Nutritional health advising.

- Gym to provide space to develop physical health.

ADVOCACY - Tutoring to support defectors pursuing education for all subjects.

- Job skill training and workshops focusing on entering the modern work force.

- Continuing education for technology.

- Computer lab open for residents to use outside of workshops.

039

EDUCATION

COMMERCIAL

- Commercial space provided for reduced rent/tax incentives to aid small businesses as long as they will work with and hire defectors.

- Lecture space for speakers.

- Small retail and restaurant businesses on ground levels.

- Upper levels are comprised of collaborative work spaces that can be used by defectors and the general public.

- Upper levels also acting as business incubators for businesses that need help getting started and are willing to hire Defectors.

- Large event space.

- Gallery and small library to showcase art and literature created by defectors and pieces smuggled from North Korea.

HOUSING

041

Fig. 023

Fig. 024

043

HANOK DESIGN

My main inspiration for the design and layout of my transitional living spaces are traditional korean homes, known as Hanok’s. Their design originates in the Joseon Dynasty, predating the Japanese invasion and the seperated Koreas we know today. I wanted to utilize this as a design inspiration because of the familiarity that all koreans have to it, as well as it being one of the last few existing cultural connections that both koreas still share in today. The four Housing typologies in fig. 024 are the ones I pulled from the most, these are from different areas around Korea, north and south.

A Hanok has two distinct features that make it unique around the world. These are the Maru and the Ondol.

MARU

A wide wooden exterior floor area used for cooling, originating in southern regions of Korea with an oceanic climate.

ONDOL Fig. 025

An underfloor heating system, traditionally made with a fire. This is still utilized in all modern korean homes with metal coils within a concrete slab.

UNIT SKETCHES

Fig. 026

In my process for creating these units and the housing facility, I manipulated these traditional floor plans to be better suited for a vertical environment, and in that process, I sketched many different ideas on how they could possibly interlock and be arranged to provide the greatest amount of natural light and large common space between them.

045

Fig. 027

THREE BEDROOM UNIT

TWO BEDROOM UNIT

Fig. 028

047

S1

S2

Each unit is given an expansive courtyard/Maru and a green space for grass. Both units have a wrapping hallway surrounding the exterior courtyard with 3 elevation changes, also utilized in hanok design. I wanted the exterior courtyard to be like an expansion of the interior common areas. The doors out to the courtyard are operable glass nana walls, as well as the windows on the edge of the courtyard. I chose to do this because of Koreas variable weather, with very hot summers and very cold winters. I wanted to allow the courtyard space to be utilized all times of the year. Each unit is separated from the common area by the screen system that wraps around the building, giving privacy but still allowing for communication and light to enter.

S1

S2

Fig. 029

OFFSET COURTYARDS To allow for more natural light I offset and mirrored every apartment on each floor to give an open atrium space in each units courtyard. This also allows for multiple ways of communication sectionally between units.

049

Fig. 030

Fig. 031

Fig. 032

051

Fig. 033

THREE BEDROOM UNIT

For my materiality I wanted to emphasize the use of Korean Pine. To create a warm and welcoming feeling i chose to use the same wood on the floor, wall, and ceiling, wrapping the room. I also wanted to utilize a rough stone cut to emphasize the bumpout that highlights the units kitchen space, as an omage to historical korean stone construction.

Fig. 034

Fig. 035

Fig. 036

053

Fig. 037

Fig. 038

TWO BEDROOM UNIT

L-1 Fig. 039

L1

055

L2-5

L6 FLOOR PLANS

In my plans here you can see how prevalent the screen is, essentially cutting through the center of the building. Between them, is the large common space between the units, that has interior and exterior spaces, for gathering and to encourage social interation and a feeling of community, The building itself is also offset to account for elevation changes on the site, as this is where the dramatic hill was that I pointed out previously. This created a spacially dynamic lobby space, with multiple elevations. Finally, on the roof of each residential building, there will be a rooftop green space for small/medium gatherings. .

Fig. 040

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SECTIONS

Fig. 041

Here you can see the difference in elevation I created for the lobby spaces, to account for the contours of the site. You can also see how the different units share the atruim spaces, and how this would encourage interation between units, and give a feeling of community within.

Fig. 042

Fig. 043

Fig. 044

Fig. 045

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Fig. 046

COMMON AREAS

In the lobby spaces, I continued the screen system all the way through, cutting between them, creating the main transitional space between the different levels. To emphasize the screen, I wanted this to be the only use of wood. The space is very open feeling, and sleek, with polished concrete and concrete panels. Carried down from the units, I utilized the bump out and its different materiality to hightlight the buildings services. On the roof, the small gathering place will be green, allowing for a semi-private public green space, exclusive to residents and their guests.,

KILIS, TURKEY

PRECEDENT STUDIES

When searching for precedents and inspiration, I was encouraged to explore refugee camps. While in a very unique situation, Defectors are still refugees. I came across this refugee camp in Kilis, Turkey, which is notably deemed one of the most successful refugee camps in the world. Starting my search with idea of refugee camps was extremely helpful. Refugee camps are always created with a temporary usage in mind, and more often than not are used far longer than intended. This is the main reason why refugee camps are unsuccessful and learning this solidified my design choice to create a permanent inflexible structure, while still being transitional in nature. This camp in particular helped me to decided on different programmatic elements I wanted to include in my project.

Fig. 047

Fig. 048

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DRAWBACKS

- Constantly full and overpopulated.

Refugee numbers currently outweigh the local inhabitants with 132,000 refugees living here and 90,000 locals.

- Danger due to the proximity to the Syrian border.

- Due to uncertain circumstances the camp has been used significantly longer than anticipated.

ADVANTAGES

- Classes are provided for children to continue their education.

- Psychological care is provided to children and adults to cope with their situation.

- The camp is very open, occupants are free to come and go, and the refugees are allowed to travel back and forth from Syria and Turkey.

- They are allowed to personalize their units.

- The camp provides a space for commerce that is run by the occupants.

STOBHILL HOSPITAL

After researching Kilis, and having some programatic ideas, I decided to search for buildings that contained many of those elements to see how a combination of those had been done. I found that many of them were rehabilitation centers or medical facilities, which was not the direction I wanted to go, but nonetheless I wanted to see how they dealt with this combination of program elements. I found this Hospital Ward designed

by Reiach and Hall Architects located in Glasgow, Scotland. This ward in particular was designed for long term patients set for large scale surgeries. Because of this, the design is thoughtful, keeping the experience of the patient in mind, as well as the patients guests.

Fig. 049

Fig. 050

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DRAWBACKS

- This ward is wholly seperated from the rest of the hospital, alienated.

ADVANTAGES

- Courtyard allows for guests and families of patients a place to relax and commune.

- Interior courtyard gives the ward a communal feeling, a sense of community.

-Bay windows give the units ample sunlight, and differentiate units from exterior.

- Can house multiple family sizes, not just single patient rooms.

- Contains an education space for the patients and for researchers/medical students to learn about the different surgeries taking place.

REHABILITATION CENTRE

Finally, I came upon the Rehabilitation Centre Groot Klimmendaal designed by Architectenbureau Koen Van Velsen BV, located in the Netherlands. This building seperates its program vertically, each level becoming more private as you ascend. the ground floor consistes of a sports center, open to the public and used by the patients that live here that reside on the floor above in transitional housing. Above them is the health facility, and finally at the top are the offices associated with each floor. This project gave me inspiration to pursue a way to integrate the public into my project, to prevent alienation and encourage social and cultural integration.

Fig. 051

Fig. 052

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ADVANTAGES - Strong connection with its natural surroundings, which has proven to aid in the patients health.

- Patients and members of the local community use the facility together, allows for social interation and decrease in stigma.

- Internal stair that runs the entire height of the building allows for easy access to all floors, and encourages exercise.

- Utilizes light wells throughout the project to allow natural light deep within the building.

Fig. 053

FIGURES LIST

067 Fig. 01 ..........................................................................................Plans for The Library of Lost Memories Fig. 02 ..............................................................................Final Model for The Library of Lost Memories Fig. 03 ..............................................................................Final Model for The Library of Lost Memories Fig. 04 ........................................................................................................Map of North and South Korea Fig. 05 ........................................................................................................Map of North and South Korea Fig. 06 ........................................................................................................Photo from Panmunjom (DMZ) Fig. 07 ........................................................................................................Photo from Panmunjom (DMZ) Fig. 08 .....................................................................................................Map of paths taken by Defectors Fig. 09 .....................................................................................................Demographic graph of Defectors Fig. 010 ...........................................................................................Annotated diagram of Screen System Fig. 011 .....................................................................................Exploded axonometric of Screen System Fig. 012 ....................................................................................................................................Aerial of Seoul Fig. 013 .....................................................................................................................Aerial of Sinchon-dong Fig. 014 ................................................................................................................................Site analysis plan Fig. 015 .........................................................................................................................................Topography Fig. 016 ..........................................................................................................Diagram of Yonsei University Fig. 017 ..........................................................................................Diagram of Ewha Woman’s University Fig. 018 ..................................................................................................................................Site plan sketch Fig. 019 .....................................................................................................Plan sketch of commercial areas Fig. 020 ................................................................................................Section sketch of commercial area Fig. 021 ...............................................................................................................................................Site plan Fig. 022 ........................................................................................................................Massing model views Fig. 023 .......................................................................................View of entry way in two bedroom unit Fig. 024 .........................................................................Hanok typologies from different areas of Korea Fig. 025 ..........................................................................................................Images of traditional Hanok’s Fig. 026 ...............................................................................................................................Housing sketches Fig. 027 .......................................................................................................................................Unit sketches Fig. 028 ......................................................................................................................................Plans of units Fig. 029 ................................................................................................................................Sections of units Fig. 030 ....................................................................................Section axonometric of offset courtyards Fig. 031 .......................................View from courtyard into kitchen and living in three bedroom unit Fig. 032 .........................................................................View from main hall way in three bedroom unit Fig. 033 ......................................................................................Courtyard render of three bedroom unit Fig. 034 ............................................................View from living facing courtyard in two bedroom unit Fig. 035 ........................................................View from kitchen facing courtyard in two bedroom unit Fig. 036 .............................................................................................Common Bedroom space in all units Fig. 037 ....................................................................View from porch of two bedroom unit into atrium Fig. 038 ........................................................................................Courtyard render of two bedroom unit Fig. 039 .................................................................................................................................Plans of housing Fig. 040 .............................................................................................................................Section of housing Fig. 041 .............................................................................................................................Section of housing Fig. 042 ...................................................................................................................Lobby interior rendering Fig. 043 ...................................................................................................................Lobby Interior rendering Fig. 044 ......................................................................................................................Stair interior rendering Fig. 045 .............................................................................................................Roof top exterior rendering Fig. 046 ...................................................................................................................Lobby interior rendering Fig. 047 ....................................................................................Aerial view of Kilis ,Turkey Refugee Camp Fig. 048 .................................................................................................Stall in Kilis, Turkey Refugee Camp Fig. 049 ..............................................................................................Courtyard at Stobhill Hospital Ward Fig. 050 ...............................................................................................Unit Plan of Stobhill Hospital Ward Fig. 051 .....................................................................................................Interior of Rehabilitation Centre Fig. 052 ....................................................................................................Exterior of Rehabilitation Centre Fig. 053 .....................................................................................................Interior of Rehabilitation Centre

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071

Thank you for this opportunity.

2020 Masters Thesis | Sierra McCormick