[10 Years of Design Competitions, 30 Public Architecture Selections] Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture

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. 

©Terminal 7 Architects 

©Terminal 7 Architects​ 

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: The fair procedure that informed the design competition for this project had a positive influence on the design competitions held by other local governments, and the jury also helped to protect the original design intentions throughout the development stages. However, the lack of preparation in prior planning and the selection of management meant that the project swiftly fell to chaos. The programme was finalised only at its execution stage and the management was designated only a few months before the building’s actual opening. Countless parties who were unrelated to the actual managing demanded changes to the design without a proper rationale. While it was tough undergoing a total of 17 deliberations, it was effective as it allowed us to keep our original design intact. We were able to avoid details such as the aboveground canopy from being drawn back due to the aesthetic district examination, and the decisions reached in the urban facility planning gave us the legitimate ground to propose emptying out the underground plaza. While we received much encouragement following completion for securing this architecture-focused exhibition space in the middle of Seoul, we experienced difficulties in its management due to lack of preparations regarding a concrete programme. Now that five years have passed since its opening, the management and exhibitors who have now have a better understanding of its space are starting to curate exhibitions that match the hall’s function and space.

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

A2: Establishing a concrete plan regarding design and space management before the design competition is necessary for its successful realisation. Meanwhile, the contractor bidding system, that cannot properly verify a contractor’s abilities in advance of being engaged, and the current responsibility supervision system that replaces its responsibility as client while remaining indifferent to the actual designated role of implementing design intentions faithfully, must be revised.

2015 international general design competition

Architect 

Terminal 7 Architects (Zoh Kyungchan)

Prize 

Seoul Architecture Awards (2019)​