This project aims to connect Sowol gil and Duteopbawi Streets in Huadong Village, which are currently separated by cliffs. Beyond simply overcoming the height difference of the existing Sowol gil, the design envisions a new accessible path for everyone—a vibrant space where people can gather and share stories.
Urban spatial experiences mostly unfold along roads. Architecture must consider the interaction between roads and surrounding spaces within the existing environment. Our goal is for this project to become a new, integrated road within the village, rather than a disconnected element. We are keen to observe the experiences and transformations this connection will inspire.
We intend to utilize the approximately 15-meter elevation difference between Duteopbawi gil and Sowol gil to create an open-style building that offers a rich spatial experience. The road acts as the central element of the architecture, naturally drawing people in. Starting from Duteopbawi gil, the pathway winds through the three-dimensional space formed by the architecture and road, ascending toward sweeping views of Seoul. The journey culminates at Sowol gil and its rooftop terrace, where visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of Namsan and the cityscape.
Our vision is to create a vertical village, embedding experiential elements that capture people’s activities at each stage along the road sequence. The design connects three-dimensional spaces based on varying elevations, with projects open to residents established in each area.
Over more than a century, we hope this space becomes a meaningful urban landmark through the use of durable, convincing materials, along with shapes and textures that adapt gracefully to change. The textures of the stairs, stone slabs, and retaining walls are defined using exposed concrete molds, based on careful considerations of form and rhythm.
The central staircase utilizes EPS molds, featuring densely arranged vertical arc-shaped reliefs that create a strong sense of verticality and rhythm through shadows. Each floor is accented with pronounced eaves to emphasize horizontal panels. Additionally, PET plywood is used to subtly express horizontal rhythm, harmonizing with the vertical staircase in three-dimensional space.
Walls are minimized by employing columns and beams, with a glass exterior skin that actively frames the surrounding scenery, allowing the space to adapt freely. The retaining walls around the building are finished with chiseled concrete, reflecting the raw texture of the existing terrain.
Project Drawings
△ Location Analysis Chart
△ General Layout Plan
△ Underground Floor Plan
△ Ground Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: Boundless
Area: 646 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Shin Kyung Sub
Lead Architect: Moon Jooho
Function: Commercial
Location: Yongsan-gu, South Korea
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