River Scale Skyscraper

By:  | August - 24 - 2018

Editors’ Choice
2018 Skyscraper Competition

Lee Change, Jung Minha, Rhyoo Jeheon
South Korea

Han River & Having home in Seoul
Han-River itself is a symbolic boundary which carries practical impacts in Seoul. The cognitive discrepancy between the north (Gang-Buk) and the south side (Gang-Nam) of it creates severe imbalance of both economy and education furthermore cultural discrimination. Crossing the river now seems physically easier while this emblematic feature is still working as a powerful frontier in Seoul due to a recent failure of housing policy in Gang-Nam. There is an interesting common consciousness; the nearer habitation of the river brings better life quality. The price of houses in Gang-Nam with river-premium is twice higher than rest of the city or the suburb, Gyeonggi-Do, which means there is an inherent thought that Han-River is a privilege that only minority of people can possess. This phenomenon deteriorates since the ‘Han-River Renaissance Project’ in 2006. In 5 years, the government invests nearly six hundred million dollars to construct waterborne traffic system and build facilities such as Waterside parks or cultural centers. The project, however, encourages commercialization of the river and eventually brings worst irregularity of habitation in Seoul.

The Renaissance movement after the Middle Age also declined sharply with the economic deterioration. It is why “RIVER SCALE“ proposes a mega-structure that combines programs abandoned from residential and urban areas. To lead everyone seizes good housings furthermore decide their ways of living sounds like a contradiction without providing any new economic activities. “RIVER SCALE” is proposing new urban with self – sufficiency which is an ideal but realistic place where helps residents from making to realizing their decisions of life.

NIMBY & PIMFY
One of the interesting localities in Seoul is peoples’ attachment, and recognition of the region is reliant on profits. Subjects of NIMBY and PIMFY in Seoul are highly variable and highly cognitive. People are opposed to certain facilities because they are afraid of the depreciation in value of the properties. NIMBY facilities are necessary for most cities, and they entail an enormous cost. Therefore, place them on the Han River, where does not belong to anyone but everyone. It will bring confusion to people who cross over between NIMBY and PIMFY.

Essence of Skyscraper
Is skyscraper the only solution to densification?
It is obviously a typology that can produce the greatest value at a limited site, but to whom is the value created? Is a city being densified desire? Isn’t it creating a city that functions only as the economic base for a group of people that are only interested in their own benefits with their own assets? Isn’t the public threatened? Isn’t it only creating inertia in a society full of suspicion?

What is a true meaning of coexistence in the city? When considering Seoul city business, Han-River is the best site regarding availability, accessibility, and emblematic representation while fulfilling the principle of maximum profit and minimum cost. Gentrification issues gradually make the city a difficult place to settle down. Population in Seoul declines whereas, in Gyeonggi-Do, it continuously grows. It seems impossible to jump over the class, no more success on one’s own. The city is supposed to be communal regardless of one’s economic and social position. When it comes to the creation of new land, it ought to belong to those who no longer have any toehold in the city. In the center of Seoul, and in the most scenic area,“RIVER SCALE“ is creating a place for one and all. It is a commencement, however; it is significant to aware that sharing city comes with our obligation.

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