Han River and Dongjak Station
500km long and 1.2km wide, Han River divides Seoul into north and south.
Han River, which acts as a dominant barrier, has influenced the creation of prominent infrastructures: Riverside Northern Highway in northern Seoul, 88 Olympic Highway in southern Seoul, and 20 bridges along Han River that connect the whole of Seoul.
Infrastructure creates isolation.
Although infrastructure was designed to connect places, in Seoul, most infrastructures create a division between and neglect nearby spaces, presenting critical issues in communication.
MAXMIX.
Moderating Hierarchy Mixing of infrastructures and programs, classified in terms of hierarchy, is maximized. It draws consistent and fluid connectivity, allowing integral regeneration of isolated regions.
Dongjak Station, the Critical Place
The project site is Dongjak Station region, subway line 4, currently in redevelopment with line 9. This zone consists of Dongjak Grand Bridge, Dongjak Station line 4 and 9, 88 Olympic Highway, Banpo Creek, HyunChoong Road, Dongjak Parking lot, and an enormous green space nearby, Seoul National Cemetery. This now-abandoned area will provide an appropriate prototype for all the divided districts through Maxmix.
Reforming Infrastructure, Renewing Programmed Place This proposal suggests three mixed zones with transit transfer centers; the integration of Transit Transfer Center and Retail Arcade on Dongjak Bridge, the Market and Agriculture Alternative School on the existing parking lot, and Government Office and Public Leisure Space at the riverside. These zones will be connected by pedestrian walkways and transit networks. Dongjak Station will be a vibrant community with various activities that unifies an integral, characterized place.