[10 Years of Design Competitions, 30 Public Architecture Selections] Dodam Nursery School

SPACE November 2023 (No. 672) 

10 years have passed since the design competition system was overhauled as a consequence of the Act On The Promotion Of Building Service Industry. As multiple adjustments and corrections have been made over time to the operation of design competitions, the system has given birth to numerous selections that populate our surroundings today. If these winning designs, which were born out of the creative struggles of individual designers in their respective times and places under the aegis of ‘good public architecture’, were to be assembled in a single space, what would stand out? SPACE have selected 30 distinguished examples of public architecture that have been recognised by the architectural scene over the past 10 years. We compared images of the winning designs and their results, and interviewed the architects. Our selection criteria was primarily based on being honoured with selection, but we also wanted to offer as diverse an outlook as possible according to type and year of competition, ordering institution, and use or function, to offer a wide spectrum of examples. When it came to public residences, we decided not to feature them in this article as they are a unique breed in terms of scale and programme. By reviewing all stages, from planning, examination, selection, and the post-construction phases, and after hearing from those responsible for them about the obstacles that they faced on their journey towards good public architecture, we hope that the testimonies of these people who witnessed the various aspects of the design competition system will give us a sense of continued direction as to where we should be heading in the next 10 years. 

©Lim Yeonghwan + Kim Sunhyun

©Park Youngchae

Q1: From the design competition to construction, what was the main task when it came to the completion of your project? In which areas do you think your project did well, and what made this possible?

A1: A total of five selected architects participated in the invited competition for public architects organised by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Our project was reviewed positively for its creative interpretation of the small triangular site by the inclined corner and the way it addressed the difficult site conditions. It was also well-received for its desire to remain close to the original proposal design until the final submission, for its high-quality finish which is often hard to come by in works of small-scale public architecture. 

All these alterations were made possible because the diminutive scale of the project made it feasible for us to conduct part-time supervision of the project. We carried out a total of 29 on-site supervisions and even more dedicated to in-house work. We believe the success of public projects is determined by its construction supervision. It is impossible to expect a good result if small-scale constructions like this are built under third party supervision with only a floor plan as a guideline. It is unfortunate that the success of public architecture hinges on an architect’s personal sense of responsibility.

Q2: What suggestions would you make to improve the way design competitions are conducted in Korea?

A2: For a design competition conducted with all due transparency, a competent jury would be the cherry on top. The number of reviewers who practice fairness and can discern a good project when it lands on their desk is slowly declining. When a design competition is judged by a trustworthy committee, dozens of architects apply to it. If there are only five or fewer applications, it is likely that a problem lies with the jury. It is not a problem of lack of adequate advertisement or unclear guidelines. There is not only a need for improvements to the competition system but also deeper reflection on and reform across the architectural realm.

2013 invited design competition​

Architect  

Lim Yeonghwan (Hongik University) + Kim Sunhyun (D.LIM architects) 

Location  

48, Doksan-ro 32na-gil, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul

Programme 

facility for the elderly and children (nursery)

Gross floor area  

397.81m²

Design cost 

budget – ​​53.499 million KRW / actual cost – 51 million KRW

Construction cost  

budget – ​1.083 billion KRW / actual cost – 1.083 billion KRW

Competition year  

Nov. 2013

Completion year  

July 2014

Client  

Geumcheon-gu Office

Prize  

Seoul Architecture Awards (2015)​