[10 Years of Design Competitions, 30 Public Architecture Selections] Kim Geuntae Memorial Library

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. 

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©Yeoneu Architects

©Lee Namsun 

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: Our open and expandable library space design based on a grid system was positively reviewed at the competition for its consideration for future extensions and the extent to which it allows flexible expansion and communication between interior and exterior spaces on an irregularly shaped site – particularly as they were respectively the competition’s main requirements and design outlook. We established a consensus with the client regarding the core design value of the design proposal through close communication and discussion which helped us to decide on which things to keep and change. Because of this, while some changes were implemented in terms of spatial composition and the area at the design stage, and so the overarching plan was not compromised but improved. Throughout a series of various adjustments, the effort to maintain the positioning, spatial concept, and the minor design intentions, such as the material and finish of the original design, and to keep these elements intact helped to bring about a successful result. Moreover, the discussions that we carried out from the design stage regarding the intended usage and management of each space as well as the continual contents management and maintenance via collection, exhibition, and events also contributed positively.

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

A2: I think that architects who must endure harsh competition need to receive better treatment. I hope that further improvements are made regarding the compensation system for both participants and winners. Also, the way the construction contractors — in contrast to the way that architects are expected to fiercely compete to be selected — are picked through bidding regardless of their abilities should be changed to realise ‘good public architecture’.

​2018 invited design competition

​Architect  

Yeoneu Architects (Hong Kyuseon)

Location  

279, 279-16, Dobong-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul

Programme  

neighbourhood living facility (library)

Gross floor area  

1,662.29m²

Design cost  

actual cost – 170 million KRW

Construction cost  

actual cost –  5 billion KRW

Competition year  

July 2018

Completion year  

Sep. 2021

Client  

Dobong-gu Office

Prize  

Seoul Architecture Awards (2022), Korean Architecture Award (2022)​