Cheonggyecheon Flashcards
(10 cards)
Location and characteristics of Cheonggyecheon
-Seoul, South Korea
-24.5 million people (larger metropolitan area)
-One of the largest and densely populated cities 17,000 people per sq km
Reasons and aims of the project
-Used to be reliant on cars, there is now emphasis from city authorities and residents on health, sustainability and social responsibility
-Elevated freeway and concrete deck covering the Cheonggyecheon stream posed safety risks
-Government wanted to improve connectivity between North and South sides, which the freeway divided
-Areas next to overpass housed 100,000 small businesses. Overpass had impact on competition. By end of 20th century, buildings were disintegrating, area was polluted and little green space.
-Project aimed to create ecological and recreational opportunities along a 5.8km corridor in the centre of Seoul
Describe the work carried out
-Elevated freeway and concrete deck removed
-22 bridges (12 pedestrian, 10 car) to improve North/South movement
-Car use was discouraged, rapid bus lanes added, improved loading and unloading systems
-Water from Hanang river is pumped to area to create a consistent flow (average 40cm). Water is treated to make sure no pollution.
-Corridor runs from Seoul to ecological conservation area outside of the city
What 3 zones is the corridor split into ?
Central historic zone
-underground waterways redirected to create new stream bed with landscaped banks
-Foundations and stones of earlier bridges used as decorative elements
-Seating throughout to encourage public use
Middle zone
-Has recreational areas
-Waterfront decks and stepping stones that bridge the two banks
-Design focused on using environmentally friendly material
-Fountains and waterfall
Final zone
-Stream widens
-Designed to look overgrown and untamed
-Sections of pier and overpass left as industrial mementoes
-Flows into wetland conservation area
What were the attitudes and contributions of parties involved ?
-South Korean president included restoration of stream in his successful bid to become mayor
-Transportation experts were concerned that removing the freeway would increase traffic congestion as it carried 169,000 vehicles daily
-Cheonggyecheon’s restoration citizens committee of professional and citizen groups gauged public opinion
-Local businesses saw project as interruption or threats to livelihoods. To stimulate business activity
-Provided extra parking and reduced parking fees
-Improved loading and unloading systems
-Promoted Cheonggyecheon business
-Provided support, subsidies and grants
Evaluation of the project
-Become a tourist attraction (estimated 18.1 million by 2008)
-Parts of project have become well known as lively and accessible venues
-Cheonggyecheon Museum has permanent and temporary exhibitions on areas history and reconstruction
Explain the economic sustainability after restoration
-Despite central location area had fallen behind
-Since project, development capital has been invested in residential construction and property prices have risen at double the rates elsewhere in the city
-Number of businesses in areas closest to restoration has risen
Explain traffic since restoration
-Speeds in central bus district have slowed by 12.3%
-Bus and subway train use increased
-Stream side walk is attractive alternative so more pedestrian activity
-Removal of cars has created 2.5 degree reduction in average temps
Explain environment since restoration
-Re-established lost habitats
-Plant and animal species have reappeared ‘wildlife haven’
-Schoolchildren have access to valuable educational resource through ecology embedded seamlessly in their urban env
Was the design inclusive ?
-No
-Limited consideration of certain groups e.g. older, mobility problems, visual impairments
-Protest march for new pathway
-Lifts were provided at 7 locations
-Poorly lit, uneven surfaces
