Built in 1966 at the height of the craze for megastructures, Seunsangga is a kilometre-long commercial building cutting through the heart of a vibrant if slightly down-at-heel neighbourhood in central Seoul. In 2016, it was under-utilised and in need of a reboot.

Our competition concept reinstates the confidence and progressive spirit of this urban icon, creating a new city wide economic, cultural and social hub and a catalyst for regeneration of the wider district.

A three dimensional ‘ribbon’ running between Jongmyo Shrine and Namsan Mountain, re-establishes the north-south connection physically and visually and aids orientation and circulation.

The walkway is punctuated along its route by multifunctional landscape interventions – a flexible, modular system that can be adapted according to specific needs and locations, which fosters a communal sense of ownership and curatorial freedom.

The competition entry proposes the development of an urban design framework that maximises connectivity and integrates new development within the historic character and structure of the city districts. To protect and nurture established local industries, employment and culture by encouraging complementary use to grow side by side.