An Analysis of Process-oriented Design in the Invited Entries of International Competition for the Master Plan of the Yongsan Park, Korea

Abstract

Designing large parks such as YongsanPark requires the open-ended process-oriented design approach in complex layers rather than the conventional self-completed master plan method. This study aims to examine the characteristics of processoriented design in the eight invited entries of "International Competition for the Master Plan of the Yongsan Park, Korea"(2012). For this purpose, it analyzed each entry according to three criteria: objects of process-oriented approach, time factor and its features of phasing plan, and presentation method of the process. This analysis can not only critically review the current level of the process-centered design methodology but also suggest strategic future directions for Yongsan Park.The objects of process-oriented design in the eight works were order of physical space development, restoration process of ecosystem, recovering process of publicity, and economic operation and management. Main considerations in the objects were connections to adjacent urban fabrics, links to regional green and water system, reuse of existing buildings and infrastructures in the site. The temporal criteria of the phasing plan had two aspects. One was planning a certain time and period, and the other was just establishing an order of phases. Most of the presentation method of process was the phasing plan, but some of the entries suggested a scenario plan. The eight works of "International Competition for the Master Plan of Yongsan Park" did not attempt process-oriented designs entirely and completely. Rather, they tried to introduce the phasing plan as part of a process-centered design. Also, they took an eclectic approach between master plan and process-oriented design instead of rejecting the conventional master plan approach.

Ecological Design Strategies and Theory for Urban Parks in Seoul, 1990s–Present

“…The third attitude towards ecological design involves the phasing strategy for sites. Korean landscape architects often employ open-ended and adaptive processes to flexibly respond to the changing natural, urban, political, economic, social, and cultural desires regarding the designed landscapes [31][32][33]. This performative strategy has evolved from the two attitudes discussed in Sections 3.1 and 3.2.…”

“…For example, the general basic plan and winning proposal in the international competition for Yonsan Park was used to create an adaptive, flexible, long-term phasing plan; an evolved version of the rough phasing strategy in the winning proposal was developed in response to various disturbances and changes, including natural, cultural, social, political, and economic issues, which were treated as ecological organisms within successional processes. The phasing strategy then became popular in Korean urban design and in the planning of large sites [31][32][33]. Second, the long-term phasing strategy reflected the shift in the understanding of ecology and in the discourse on resilience.…”