Design of Bangbae-Dong Square of Pink Islands
Back to Projects list- Location
- Seoul, South Korea
A subsurface river, used for wastewater disposal, and neither able to be built over or be planted, creates a strange urban situation in the district of Bangbae-Dong in Seoul; a 600m long and 40m wide aisle, that is used as a storage and parking option. In doing so, the district government has recognized a chance to revalue this city district which is undersupplied with outdoor plants and new design.The crucial question is how to deal with the subsurface river. Uncovering it is currently not possible for reasons of economy and pollution.The basic idea is to first make the river at least partially visible to raise the inhabitants´ awareness, and secondly to preserve the possibility for exposing the river later via the design. Portholes along the street square and the bordering street allow for a glimpse of the water and follow the rivers course within the city plan. The rest of the concept targets a temporary solution to compel further development. The surface of the square shall be unified through a simple, continuous, floor cover with several pink colored "seating snakes" made of hard rubber on it. This furniture forms the border of islands with plants, play grounds or necessary infrastructure inside. The remaining square areas are kept free for all forms of urban life. At night the seats are illuminated from within.
Assignment
Commission
Client
City of Seoul
Planning area
ca. 1,5 ha
Start of construction
estimated 2009