Changdong Aurne by UNSANGDON Architects

The four northeastern districts of Seoul, Gangbuk, Seongbuk, Dobong, and Nowon, are bed towns that were considered an economic and cultural wasteland. Prior to the plan, a big picture of urban regeneration was proposed through an analysis of the urban structure and problems of the Chang-dong Sanggye area, and an idea that could contain future values as an open structure with the surrounding area and a base for regional activation.

We proposed a three-dimensional natural public pedestrian space network that could overcome the disconnection between east and west, and suggested a platform area that connects culture, economy, and life through the integrated promotion development of underground development, and a circular urban space network.

Combined arrangement of independence and connectivity
We propose a vivid city platform strategy in which users and citizens can directly participate. By naturally stacking artificial topography containing various programs, a mutually relational layout plan was established to become an inner and outer space. It does not constitute an architectural form, but develops a self-sustaining and unique platform system by creating a continuous relationship in the connection and communication of programs.

50 Plus, start-up centers, non-profit organizations, and housing support programs offer a converged three-dimensional platform for cross-linking, sharing, and communication while maintaining individual independence. The Central Generation Sharing Zone is a place open to local residents for sharing and education for culture and startup business and a dynamic and eco-friendly civic space.

Autonomy and connectivity of the four programs
There are four programs provided: 50 Plus, Startup Center, Nonprofit Organization, and Housing Support. In order to create a foundation for an industrial ecosystem where various generations can coexist, the linkage and independence of programs are three-dimensional, and the integrated startup atrium is a space of connection and a shared space in which each program communicates.

1 – 50 Plus: We propose a creative and comfortable space in which to make a sustainable 50 ecosystem. Focusing on the exchange and learning of 50 Plus generations, it maximizes the mutual interactions between culture, life, and occupation through an active connection with the generational sharing zone.

2 – Startup Center: We organically propose an open, independent, and connected space that meets the three-stage nature of the pre-launch stage (Pre-BI), the start-up execution stage (BI), and the growth stage (Post-BI). Multilateral sharing was planned in connection with the terrace, which is as much of an external space as possible. It contains future diversity through the combination of an active generational sharing zone for exchange, learning, and creativity of the young.

3 – NPO Support Center: As a facility that has a close relationship with the local community and supports the activities of non-profit private organizations, it must have independence and connectivity at the same time. In addition, it has spatial exchanges and connections with the generational sharing zone with 50 Plus and the Startup Center.

4 – Housing support facility: According to an independent plan, it helps the young people and cultural artists’ activities, and is proposed as a comfortable settlement space and a residential facility for the inflow of people.

Startup culture atrium and sharing platform
The Generation Sharing Zone does not just share space with other programs, but encourages a future-oriented entrepreneurial culture atrium that contains new exchanges, information, and sensibility for local residents and citizens. This space is an eco-friendly regional core cultural space filled with various events such as a cultural gallery, a botanical garden, a performance hall, and a work presentation hall.

As a platform for sharing, it is a space that combines four programs with different characteristics, and provides openness for citizens, face-to-face, and public connection of users. By planning a shared space that is three-dimensional and overlapping, it actively generates various approaches and active use by citizens and other users.

On the shared platform, an open shared space was planned for citizens, seniors, and young people to participate in mutually communicative development and future creative situations such as start-up presentations, exhibitions, performances, group meetings, cafes, bazaars, and breaks. Source by UNSANGDONG Architects.

Location: 84, Madeul-ro 13-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Architect: UNSANGDON Architects Cooperation
Design team: UNSANGDON (BongKyun Kim, TeakMin Kim, SungJung Shin, JaeHo Song, MyeongGil Jung) + Chang Jo (JongHoon Ji, NooRi Jo, JungMin Song, JaeMin Song)
Construction: YOON IK
Site area: 7,663.10m2
Built area: 4,114.26m2
Total floor area: 17,744.60m2
Height: 21.60m
Construction year: 2020. 10
Photographs: Joonhwan Yoon, Courtesy of UNSANGDON Architects