Seoul, South Korea
CLIENT : Municipality of Seoul
TYPE OF COMMISSION : international design competition
SURFAce :4.500 m² SDP
TIMETABLE : 2017
PROGRAM : Ferry Terminal
ARCHITECTURE TEAM : GFC (Arch. Andrea Guazzieri, Arch. Raul Forsoni, Arch. Valerio Ciotola)
PHASE : Competition
The Terminal is conceived as the confluence between the Han River Park and the city of Seoul. As the mixture of two different substances, work and leisure flow together in a mutual embrace forming spaces and terraces overlooking the park, the city and the river. Nestling on the Han River, the Terminal enjoys views from all sides and ample sunlight thanks to its circular shape.
In order to achieve a symbolic meaning for the whole community of Seoul, the project recalls some of the foundational concepts of Korean and Asian culture.
Historically, eastern civilizations assign to the primal geometry of circle the power to balance opposite forces: nature vs. artifice, land vs. water, good vs bad.
This philosophical meaning was then taken seriously and explored in order to verify the validity of its balancing quality within architecture.
The plan is divided in two main parts: the fast speed (terminal) domain and the low speed (shops and restaurant) domain. Users can loop around through a ramp circulation system which ensures a constant interaction and fluidity of the space. The two main trajectories spiral downwards inside and outside the shell, intersecting with each other allowing for a multiple program interaction and visual connection experience. Although the terminal is a place of movement, the circular court has been designed in order to provide a calm and peaceful asylum within the intense use of the building.
The structure, conceived as a monocoque hull, which recalls the tradition of navy construction. Like boats and submarines, the skin will act as a self-bearing system entirely made of steel. Materials can be recycled and reused and thus we can consider the building as a temporary storage of material. In effect, following a circular economy strategy, the hull is composed by demountable pieces that can be easily transported and relocated after the end of building’s life.