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.
©BEACON ARCHITECTS
©Kyungsub Shin
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: This competition was targeted at rising architects but, as competitions like these are relatively new, many were uncertain about exactly how much detail had to be put into the proposal, and so I handed in a submission composed of diagram images and sketches. After undergoing countless consultations, the final design was completed a year after selection. The design was reviewed positively for the way it communicates with nature and for its creation of an open interior space that can cater to various kinds of meetings in the local area.
The client’s desire to create an innovative public workspace, the responsible nature of the public official, and the tole played by the master planner were all crucial. Numerous demands were made at first, but they slowly became more organised and moved into something more manageable. The designer was willing to participate in dozens of discussions, and the client reacted positively in tandem and assisted in the design’s realisation. Every effort was exerted to overcome various troubles on site with the help of people in charge from the client’s side and we met up for discussions whenever there were issues even after the completion.
Q2: What suggestions would you make to improve the way design competitions are conducted in Korea?
A2: It is unfortunate that the form of a design proposal competition and their initial requirements are being wrongly applied. Requirements for entry, especially in terms of career experience, are too high to be demanded at the initial evaluation stage. Design proposal competitions were developed to lower the bar, but this does exactly the opposite. I also think it problematic that competitions announced as general design competitions are being deliberately called out as design proposal competitions to minimise compensation costs and workload for the competition organisers.
2018 design proposal competition (for rising architects)
Architect
BEACON ARCHITECTS (Park Jonghun)
Location
20, Hongyegongwon-ro, Hongbuk-eup, Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Programme
public office facility
Gross floor area
2,940m²
Design cost
budget – 360 million KRW / actual cost – 360 million KRW
Construction cost
budget – 9 billion KRW / actual cost – 11 billion KRW
Competition year
May 2018
Completion year
May 2021
Client
Chungcheongnam-do
Prize
Chungcheongnam-do Architecture Award (2021), Korean Architecture Award (2022)
BEACON ARCHITECTS (Park Jonghun)
20, Hongyegongwon-ro, Hongbuk-eup, Hongseong-gun,
public office facility
2,940m²
budget – 9 billion KRW / actual cost –
Chungcheongnam-do
May 2021
budget – 360 million KRW / actual cost ̵
May 2018
