Yujin Building Revival
From symmetrical residential mid-rise building built over a local river to tank housing during the war to a shaved down mixed-use conglomerate occupying a whole city block after the construction of an elevated highway, the Yujin Building in Seoul, SK was the focus of this revival studio. My goal was akin to "reduce, reuse, recycle" to breath new life into this old soul of a building.
01
poetic vessel
Inspired by the river and underused pedestrian walks in the basement of the Yujin building, I imagined how nature would begin to reclaim this site were humans a non-factor.
02
decomposition
Using mushrooms as my poetic for decomposition, I took the key interaction zones of this building to it's neighbors and reduced them to their structural grid, thereby increasing visual intrigue, allowing for site lines, and for increased vertical circulation.
Walls and programming removed to expose structural grid.
Under-utilized mall removed and floors dropped to expose basement river walk
Walls and programming removed to expose structural grid.
03
Regrowth
Light embodies the regrowth stage with glass columns forming light-wells throughout the building. These again enhance the programs that live in the building and increase visibility between/through floors.
An imagination of columns of light penetrating from above to the river-walk below the building
To truly let this building glow, Lightwells come in forms of boxes, wells, and towers to maximize visibility and interest.
An imagination of columns of light penetrating from above to the river-walk below the building
04
Applications
By creating a much more open and practical layout for the Yujin building, it becomes a community space that is less imposing and more impactful and inviting to the larger community to engage with.
Where the floor drops to the river-walk below, highlighting public park and path.
In the middle of the building, looking up towards exposed structure and a residents' garden.
An open central area for temporary markets, celebrations, and local events.
Where the floor drops to the river-walk below, highlighting public park and path.