Seoul city has creatively transformed the space beneath an elevated bridge into a vibrant public area for the local community. Typically, such spaces in dense urban environments remain unused. This experimental project aims to enhance both the living conditions and the surrounding landscape by revitalizing the previously dim, cold, and neglected underpass, turning it into a lively and distinctive space.
The site is located beneath the elevated bridge near the east gate, where multiple layers of infrastructure such as railway and highway overpasses intersect. These elevated bridges create a barrier, isolating the city’s scale from nearby neighborhoods. The spaces in between often feel frozen in time, disconnected from the urban flow.
This project strives to become a hub for the local community by offering a space for various cultural and sports activities. Architectural terraces are key elements used to reconnect the scattered blocks in this otherwise neglected area, fostering a renewed sense of place and community.
The ‘Terrace Square’ features a central public space divided into two levels, incorporating rooftop areas to create a unique urban environment. The upper level stretches from east to west, terminating at an elevated road, while the lower level merges the surrounding blocks with the base, expanding the community’s footprint.
The upper terrace serves as a venue for cultural events, light exercise, and relaxation. Beneath the terrace, locals find a cool refuge during the day, and by night, it transforms into an outdoor terrace café supporting nearby restaurants and vendors. This dynamic courtyard space continuously adapts to the daily lives and rhythms of the community.
Design Drawings
△ Plan view
△ Plan view
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Hot Springs, Public Buildings
Location: Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Architectural Firm: HG Architecture
Area: 425 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: Kyungsub Shin
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Byucksan, Dr.Floor, Eagon, Grasshopper, Rhinoceros, POSCO
Lead Architect: HG Architecture
Design Team: Hyoung Gul Kook, Min Ho Lee, Bo Kyung Kim
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