SPACE November 2024 (No. 684)
① Interview Cho Byoungsoo principal, BCHO Partners × Kim Jeoungeun editor-in-chief
② Interview Jung Kyungil principal, YOUTHQUAKE, Youk Shimwon artist × Bang Yukyung
③ Interview Kim Green curator, ANNEX × Bang Yukyung
The front yard of Building A, YOUTHQUAKE. The enclosing wall was removed to create an open space which is connected to the street.
Front yard of Building A from Building B. The old building’s frame is exposed.
① Interview Cho Byoungsoo principal, BCHO Partners × Kim Jeoungeun editor-in-chief
Kim: You’ve worked on a lot of projects in Seochon. For example, there’s Onground Gallery/Café (2013, 2018, 2020, hereinafter Onground), which you use for yourself and on which you’ve developed as ‘re-born’ several times, there’s Mak Project Space (2021, hereinafter Mak House), and there’s the recently completed YOUTHQUAKE (2023, 2024). What do you think is the unique charm of Seochon?
Cho: Seochon is a unique neighbourhood. Many people in the arts and cultural sector live and work here. Maybe you, the editor-in-chief, could move here after you retire.
Kim: It’s a popular neighbourhood, so maybe, but it’s probably too expensive to move! (laugh)
Cho: If you compare with areas like Gangnam, the rent is not that expensive. The size is fairly small. The biggest difference from Seongsu-dong, which is popular nowadays, is the size. Seongsu-dong was originally a light industry area, so each land parcel area is at least 100 to 300-pyeong, and the buildings are tall with large volumes. But here, it’s a residential area, so the land parcels are small, and it’s zoned according to the district units plan, which prohibits combining lots larger than 60-pyeong. That means people with smaller dreams come here. (laugh) People who have greater sensitivity and cultural interests, such as people who write or design, which does not require large spaces. I...
