Geumchon Oulim Centre

Geumchon Oulim Centre 

818 architects

Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee

ARCHITECTS
818 Architects

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Jungmin Lee, Eunbi Go

PHOTOGRAPHS
Yongbaek Lee

AREA
5660 M²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Paju-si, South Korea

CATEGORY
Mixed Use Architecture, Community Center, Offices

Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee

Text description provided by architect.

A city is alive, constantly evolving and establishing a dynamic balance through the interactions and events between people and places.

Non-organic structures preserve their form by resisting external influences, whereas organic structures gain vitality by adapting to and interacting with their environment.

The process of embracing differences and engaging with others fosters creativity while shaping subtle boundaries that respond to relationships and urban demands.

Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee

The site, centered around a century-old market held every five days, is characterized by its dense mix of shops and residences, fostering vibrant community interactions.

The street regularly transforms into a dynamic and unique urban landscape, with goods and food laid out under temporary tents.

Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee

Although the Market and the Center serve different characteristics and uses, they resonate with each other and enhance the urban public realm.

The dual boundary, reflecting the unique qualities of the street, becomes a key starting point for the project. Architecture is both a part of and a reflection of the city.

Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee

A registration office and a courthouse have been housed on the site for over 20 years, and these buildings are set 2.7 meters above the street level.

By retaining the existing structures and levels, the majority of the street frontage is cleared to create broad steps that seamlessly connect with the street.

A taut façade is positioned in contrast to the surrounding buildings, emphasizing the spatial qualities and serving as a backdrop for the market.

Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee

The Center integrates various facilities for children, youth, and military personnel, encompassing education, culture, welfare, and entrepreneurship.

Its open and porous courtyards extend beyond the Center, avoiding exclusive use and defying strict urban boundaries.

These spaces adapt fluidly to evolving needs and usage patterns, serving as versatile arenas for diverse demands and changes.

Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee


Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee


Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee
Geumchon Oulim Centre
© Yongbaek Lee


Geumchon Oulim Centre
Plan - 1st Basement Floor
Geumchon Oulim Centre
Plan - 2nd Basement Floor
Geumchon Oulim Centre
Plan - 1st Floor
Geumchon Oulim Centre
Plan - 2nd Floor
Geumchon Oulim Centre
Plan - 3rd Floor
Geumchon Oulim Centre
Plan - Roof


Geumchon Oulim Centre
Sections
Geumchon Oulim Centre
Elevations
Geumchon Oulim Centre
Diagram