This document provides a proposal for the Yongsan Way housing development in Seoul, South Korea. The proposal aims to address housing issues like affordability, density, and diversity. At the building scale, it deploys bar and tower typologies to efficiently house diverse communities. Vertical community spaces in buildings provide recreation and services. Each residential building sits atop a mixed-use podium for retail and public space. A raised systems corridor and park are proposed to tie the district together sustainably while integrating nature. The plan fosters age-diverse, affordable communities with connected public spaces and minimized car dependence.

1. YONGSAN WAY
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN TEAM B

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INTRODUCTION +
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PROJECT STATEMENT DESIGN APPROACH TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Yongsan Way recognizes the housing crisis that is certain to affect the aging population of +
This project comes from the combination of work and principles developed by the team +
Seoul. Throughout Seoul and much of Asia, housing developments maximize the profitabil- members in their respective architecture and urban planning studios during the winter
ity of each land parcel, often marginalizing the living conditions of residents, or targeting a +
semester. The teams were selected from these studios based on the quality of their work and 4m 20m 4m 80m 10m 60m 10m 80m
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Introduction ............................................... 2
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price range beyond a fixed income. The constant turnover of development and lack of urban the synergy of their ideas.
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durability also damages livability and natural environment. We address these problems at the Specifically, the inventive interpretations of the bar, podium and tower typologies from the
building, block, and district scales. architecture students fit with the block arrangements and hierarchy of public spaces developed
Context ..................................................... 3
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by the planning students. After the announcement of the teams in early May, we used the core
At the scale of the building, our project rejects the trend toward income or age-specific devel- ideas from each previous project to generate a new masterplan for Yongsan. Below are the
opment and focuses on creating a diversity of housing types within each building that support design goals and technical criteria in behind our vision of Yongsan Way.
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people in different stages of life. We deploy the bar and tower typologies with a collection of +
efficient units that support affordable living, multi-generational residents, urban intimacy, and +
Design Goals:
Concept .................................................... 4
site density. This encourages a diverse population and community to occupy each block. • Foster communities diverse in age and incomes
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Create accessible and connected services and public spaces
At the scale of the block this development requires a number of services for working, living • Pull the natural elements of Seoul into the site
and entertainment. To address these needs, the project inserts vertical community spaces into • Increase the durability of development
Land Use .................................................. 5
the building typologies. These serve residents with recreation areas, workspaces and services • +Reconnect the sides of the site
like daycares, clinics and libraries. We place each residential building on a mixed-use podium, • Minimize the need for a private car
providing retail and commercial opportunities and larger public spaces for the residents and • Respect the existing context and plans
greater community. + Distinct Neighborhoods ............................... 6
Technical Criteria:
At the scale of the district we capitalize on the site’s underutilized rail corridor by creating • Average FAR of 10.4
a raised systems conduit and public park running over the train right-of-way. The systems con- • +Average buildable lot coverage of 60-70%
+ Residences for the Life Cycle ....................... 8
duit provides the district with power, waste, telecommunication, transportation, and stormwater • Minimum buildable lot coverage of 40%
infrastructure all while protecting from potential floods. The continuous plaza above weaves the • Maximum buildable lot coverage of 80%
site together and draws the natural elements of Yongsan Park and the riverfront in an incred- • No surface parking 4m 20m 4m 80m 10m 60m 10m 80m
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+Maximum five minute travel to community space in the vertical or horizontal direction
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ible civic amenity. •
• No single use residential or commercial blocks
Civic Unifier ............................................... 10
Bar and Towers - efficient and specialized unit types to support diverse • +
Setbacks equal to 1/2 - 1/3 the heights of adjacent facades
communities.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN TEAM B MEMBERS
Voids and Podium - vertical semi-public and ground level public spaces pro-
Social and Systems Corridor ........................ 12
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Dalal, Pooja - dalalp@umich.edu - (1) 734 489 5459
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viding services for the community.
Moore, Jonathan - jadamsm@umich.edu - (1) 734 272 3804
Systems Corridor and Park Line - raised sustainable systems corridor and
park tying together the district and the city.
Ciculation and Systems ............................... 13
Tardy, William - wntardy@umich.edu - (1) 740 707 7734
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Topolnytska, Sasha - topolnyt@umich.edu - (1) 248 497 2416
+ Implementation Strategies ............................ 14
Van Wylen, Nathan - nathanvw@umich.edu - (1) 612 227 1633
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3. CONTEXT
The Han River is both Seoul’s biggest asset Yongsan Electronics Mall is one of the
and liability. As Seoul’s exclusive source of largest retail centers in Seoul and South
drinking water, the Han’s value can not be Korea. On the site, its presence promotes
overstated. Due to heavy rain and run off, economic growth by increasing property
however, the Han can also damage health values, creating employment opportunities,
and property. To amend both issues, Seoul and attracting spending from around the
Metropolitan Government has established city. In order for new development to be a
complete stormwater capture as a goal for success, integrating current stakeholders
all developments. like the mall is a neccesity.
Hyo is the South Korean virtue of filial pi- Korean War Museum is more than a major
ety. In rural areas, hyo inspires the creation civic asset. By virtue of its focus on the most
of multi-generational housheolds. In cities, critical event in South Korea’s history, it
however, limited housing options prevent represents not only the nation’s promise but
households from adopting traditional obliga- also the struggles through which it was born.
tions. For many, this conflict between the By providing a connection to the museum,
modern city and traditional cultural values is a planned development can itself take on a
the nation’s most crucial obstacle. part of this identity and purpose.
Renewable Energy infrastructure is a major
policy goal for South Korea. On the national
scale the commitment has supported an
aggressive offshore wind energy campaign,
promosing to provide 10% of the nation’s en-
ergy needs by 2030. To maximize the impact
of this investment, new development must
explore ways to both reduce energy con-
sumption and provide supplemental power
generation.
The Hanok represents the soul of South
Korean architecture. Intertwined with a deep As Seoul continues to mature, Yongsan
sense of place, the design of the Hanok Park will undoubtedly become a flagship
focuses on harmonizing the the built and the public space. Much like the Cheonggye-
natural. Prior to Seoul’s industrialization, the cheon, its ability to blend the natural and
Hanok was the city’s most common housing the built illustrates the city’s willingness to
option. Today, despite the popularity of high challenge existing patterns of land use and
rise apartments, interest in the Hanok and adopt a civic-focused conservation agenda.
its emphasis on sustainable development is
rising.
Urban Ecological Restoration is a growing When constructed, the Yongsan International Business District will be the largest
civic passion in Seoul. In a series of projects, land use on the site. In addition to its sizeable footprint, it will also likely host some of
including the celebrated Cheonggyecheon the tallest buildings outside of downtown Seoul. For a plan aiming at creating a bal-
Restoration, Seoul has re-imagined infra- ance of residential and commercial spaces, these two factors create a unique set of
structure and civic spaces as places where, design challenges. With regard to the creation of innovative infrastructure systems, the
the natural world can be invited to coexist presence of the IBD provides the boon of high property tax revenue. In consideration
with density. For the development commu- of affordable housing, however, the effects of the IBD promise to price out the elderly
nity, this challenge creates an opportunity to and other income-limited groups. To succed on the site, a development must create
experiment with new landscape aesthetics policies which balance these forces, and insure that Yongsan remains open to all of
and performative goals. Seoul’s residents.
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4. CONCEPT
DIVERSE UNITS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS SOCIAL/UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
-YOUNG -WORKSHOPS -TRAIN AND SUBWAY
-FAMILY -GYMS/SPAS -WASTE MANAGEMENT
-MARRIED -RETAIL -TELECOMMUNICATION
-ASSISTED LIVING -ENTERTAINMENT -STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
-UTILITY ROADS
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5. LAND USE
ILLUSTRATIVE PLAN LAND USE FAR MAP
Site Compostion
[1,000,000 sqm]
net buildable area [60%]
right-of-way allotment [30%]
green space allotment [10%]
Major Infrasctructure
[400,000 sqm]
other transportation/utility space [42.5%]
spine plaza/utility corridor [32.5%]
park space [25%]
Site Housing Composition
[3,200,00 sqm]
market-rate [75%]
affordable/senior [25%]
FAR 12-14
FAR 10-11
FAR 8-9
Affordable/Senior Breakdown
[800,000 sqm] FAR MATH
affordable/market mix [70%] Average FAR = Total Necessary Built sqm/ Net Buildable Area
affordable only [15%] Total Necessary Built SQM = average residential sqm p/inh X 100,000 inh X 2
= 32 residential sqm per inhabitant X 100,000 inhabitants X2
affordable long-term care [15%] = 6,400,000 sqm
Net Buildable Area = Gross site sqm - ROW allotment - Public Park allotment
= 1,000,000 sqm - 300,000 sqm - 100,000 sqm
Aggregate Built Land Uses = 600,000 sqm
[6,400,000 sqm]
residential [50%] Average FAR = 6,400,000 / 600,000 = 10.4
commercial/retail [37%]
healthcare/civic assets [13%]
Non-Residential Built Land Use Breakdown
[3,200,000 sqm]
PLAN KEY office/commercial [33%] healthcare/safety [6%]
elevated park retail [22%] civic institutions [4%]
green space underground parking [19%] grocery [1%]
outside of 1 sqkm education [15%]
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6. PEOPLE ENJOYING A SPRING DAY ALONG YONGSAN WAY.

7. DISTINCT NEIGHBORHOODS
KNOWLEDGE CAMPUS
300 BED HOSPITAL
CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER
SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND PLAYING FIELDS
MOBILITY HUB
YONGSAN STATION
YONGSAN PARK BOARDWALK
CENTRAL OUTDOOR MARKET
THE PLAYGROUND
ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHTLIFE
ARTS AND CULTURE
CONNECTIONS TO THE WATERFRONT AND IBD
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8. A SPECTACULAR VIEW OF ACTIVITIES ALONG THE SPINE.

9. RESIDENCES FOR THE LIFE CYCLE
resident-owned units TOWER+PODIUM
SIZE OF BLOCK: 80 M X 80 M = 6400 M SQ
senior affordable units BUILDING FOOTPRINT: 4800 M SQ
RESIDENTIAL
FAR: 12.3 AV
ROOFTOP GARDENS
access points
SIZE OF GARDEN: 1250 M SQ PODIUM
CLUB, GYM, AND SKY RESTURANT: 1000 M SQ
rental units RESIDENTIAL
AMMENITIES: AMPHITHEATER, SWIMMING POOLS,
PARKS, RUNNING TRACKS, CAFES
FOOTPRINT: 1250 M SQ 1 BEDROOM UNIT
NUMBER OF FLOORS: 40-60
NO OF UNITS: 600 AREA: 25-30 SQ M
community greenroofs COMMUNITY BARS TARGET MARKETS: SINGLE
ELDERS, STUDENTS, YOUNG
SIZE: 1200 SQ M PROFESSIONALS
AMMENITIES: GYM, BAR, MARKET, COMMERCIAL
public parks
GREEN SPACE
COMMERCIAL SPACE
OFFICE /RETAIL
PARKING FOOTPRINT: 4800
urban farming FLOORS: 3-10
NUMBER: 650 UNITS
AREA: 14,400 M SQ
sports fields
BAR+PODIUM
SIZE OF BLOCK: 80 M X 160 M = 12,800 M SQ
BUILDING FOOTPRINT: 10,240 M SQ
FAR: 11 AV
libraries/education
ROOFTOP GARDENS
public plazas SIZE OF GARDEN: 2000 M SQ
COMMUNITY
BANQUET HALL: 1000 M SQ
RESIDENTIAL 2 BEDROOM UNIT
daycares/play areas
FOOTPRINT: 3000 M SQ (120,000 M SQ) AREA: 50 SQ M
NUMBER OF FLOORS: 40 TARGET MARKETS: ELDER
fitness/health facilities NO OF UNITS: 600 COUPLES, YOUNG COUPLE+CHILD,
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
COMMUNITY PODIUM
SIZE: 4000 SQ M AMMENITIES: AMPHITHEATER, SWIMMING POOLS,
AMMENITIES: GYM, BAR, GAME ROOMS, MARKET, PARKS, RUNNING TRACKS
shopping DAY CARE
PARKING COMMERCIAL
OFFICE/RETAIL/ENTERTAINMENT
office
COMMERCIAL
NUMBER: 800 UNITS FOOTPRINT: 10,240 M SQ
AREA: 23,700 M SQ FLOORS: 2
workshops
INTERIOR COURTYARD
entertainment SIZE OF BLOCK: 80 M X 80 M = 6,400 M SQ
BUILDING FOOTPRINT: 2,660 M SQ
FAR: 9 AV
ROOFTOP GARDENS
parking stalls
PARKING SERVICES
PODIUM
SIZE OF GARDEN: 1000 M SQ
BANQUET HALL: 1000 M SQ AMMENITIES: SWIMMING POOLS, COMMUNITY
vehicle charging RESIDENTIAL GARDENS
3 BEDROOM UNIT
BUILDING FOOTPRINT: 2500 M SQ COMMERCIAL
bike parking NUMBER OF FLOORS: 15 OFFICE/RETAIL AREA: 90 SQ M
NO OF UNITS: 250 FOOTPRINT: 2,660 SQ M TARGET MARKETS: MULTI GENER-
FLOORS: 5 ARIONAL HOUSEHOLDS, LARGE
PARKING
alternate vehicle parking FAMILIES
NUMBER: 200 UNITS
AREA: 27,000 M SQ 9

10. FAMILIES ENJOY A PERFORMANCE AT THE COMMUNITY AMPITHEATER.

11. CIVIC UNIFIER
CROSSING THE YONGSAN WAY SPINE 1 2 3
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Funiculars offer easy vertical transportation for Sculptural stairs become a stage for Gondolas throughout the city provide exciting
the mobility challenged community activities connections between buildings
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Escalators, elevators and moving walkways Earthworks encourage recreational activities for Curving ramps elevate the landscape
promote easy access to different destinations different seasons
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Market provide fresh food for healthy diets and The ferris wheel provides a fun lift from the Landscape stairs allow people to gather before
venues for urban farmers to sell their goods ground level to the entertainment district moving between levels
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12. SOCIAL AND SYSTEMS CORRIDOR
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13. SYSTEMS AND CIRCULATION
handicap accesible
stairs and escalators
alternative vehicle facilities
bicycle facilities
rail transit
automobile traffic
alternative vehicle traffic
bicycle traffic
daycares/play areas
community green roofs
public parks
urban farms
sports fields
daycares/play areas
sports fields
MONORAIL
community theatre
entertainment
music venues
parking stalls
UNDERGROUND PARKING FACILITIES
vehicle charging
solid waster recycling RAIL AND SUBWAY FACILITIES
telecommunications infrastructure SITE UTILITY CENTERS
DISTRICT RECYCLING CENTER
biomass energy production BIOGAS POWER PLANT
STORMWATER VAULTS
solid waste disposal
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14. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
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IMPLEMENTAION ACTORS IMPLEMENTAION ACTIONS PHASING AND KEY PARTNERSHIPS
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DESIGN OWN +
PUBLIC
METROPOLITAN DEPARTMANTS
Establish performance metrics Distribute property rights +
Identify cultural aesthetics Establish stakeholder group work to protect
NATIONAL MINISTRIES
Develop policy guidelines community rights
ACTORS Government
Seoul Metropolitan
Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation IMPLEMENT MAINTAIN
+
Ministry of Land, Transport, and Maritime Affairs
PUBLIC Interpret market conditions Assess facility performance +
Capitalize on emerging technology Adapt form to compliment trends
ACTORS Identify and manage investment Protect long term investments
PRIVATE Seoul Metropolitan Government fund and build new
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NATIONAL DEVELOPERSKorea Land and Housing Corporation
infrastructure
PUBLIC +
LOCAL INVESTORS Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation
Samsung Seoul Metropolitan Government
Group
Korea Land and Housing Corporation
Daewoo Engineering and Construction Housing Corporation
Korea Land and
PRIVATE Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Seoul MetropolitanSamsung Group
Government + +
+ Land and Housing Corporation
COMMUNITY
Korea LG Group
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MARKET-RATE HOUSING
PRIVATE RESIDENTS
Seoul MetropolitanEugene Constructions Company
Rapid Transit Corporation +
+
design and inhabit
WORKERS + + vertical communities
eoul Metropolitan Samsung Group
+Families Government
++
OFFICE/ COMMERCIAL SPACE +
orea Land and Housing Corporation +
+
+Elders LG Group
eoul Metropolitan Eugene Constructions Company ++ + +
Neighborhood Groups Transit Corporation
Rapid RECREATION FACILITIES
+ + +
COMMUNITY
+ +
Samsung Group
+NGOs
LG Group Families
HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
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+HOUSING ADVOCATES Elders
Eugene Constructions Company
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+COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUPS CITY INFRASTRUCTURE + + +
COMMUNITY
amsung Group Neighbors + +
G Group +Korean Coalition for Housing Rights
+
+
+ Families
+Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice
ugene Constructions Company VERTICAL COMMUNITY SPACES + communicate to ensure
+ Elders
Federation of National Street Vendors + + full service provision
TY + Neighbors
NGO+
Families +
+ + +
Elders
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Neighbors Saemaul Undong
+ Korean Coalition for Housing Rights (KCHR)
amilies
NGO + +
lders + Federation of National Street Vendors (FNSV)
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eighbors + Saemaul Undong

15. DEPARTING FROM YONGSAN STATION.