Hongdae: Brief History and First Impressions
The Hongdae area, named after the Hongik Daehakgyo or the Hongik University, is well known for its artistic and indie culture. Besides the famous Hongdae Playground which is a venue for performances and hosts the Free Market (which celebrates and provides a venue for artists to share and sell their crafts), it is also a vibrant space for galleries, design shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and night clubs. Such a culture is largely influenced by the university, which is one of South Korea’s top fine art colleges.
In the past, Hongdae used to have a railway track running through which shaped the development of the area. Parts of Hongdae also have western styled buildings that are very different from the current, more modern urban fabric. These are hints of the longer history of the area beyond the recent past of Hongdae as an indie haven. However, the site is one that is ever-changing, and the influx of locals and tourists to the area has prompted the removal of some independent and long-standing shops and cafes, replaced by bigger brands and commercial buildings. While the vibe of Hongdae is still largely one of an artistic nature, with walls of street art and impromptu baskers that make up the atmosphere of the area, there is definitely a shift in the nature of the place.
Hongdae: Brief History and First Impressions
Our site (site G) is located off the main populated area of Hongdae, in between the dense human traffic towards the shopping area and the residences. It has experienced transformation over the years, with the removal of buildings to create larger community spaces, and features a wooden stage. The more open area as well as the quieter atmosphere makes it an interesting transition space between the crowd and the residence, and offers opportunity for architectural interventions.
District Land Use
District Figure Ground
Site Section
Section A-A’
Section B-B’
Section D-D’
Section G-G’
Human Density and Nodes - Day
Human Density and Nodes - Night
Communal Spaces and Greenery
Transformations of Urban Fabric
Human Circulation and Vehicular Roads
HUMAN CIRCULATION - DAY
HUMAN CIRCULATION - NIGHT
VEHICULAR PATHS
Activites Near The Site
Land Use
Night Elevation
ELEVATION 1
ELEVATION 2
The street is decorated with many signs which light up at night, indicating the areas of higher activites and toning down towards the residence.
Serial Vision 01
Walking along the street, it is easy to be distracted by the activities and an array of street furniture, such as aquariums, plastic chairs and signboards.
Serial Vison 02
These objects spill out to the street, giving character to the streets of Hongdae.
Collage 01
View of shopfront and barriers surrounding the platform
Collage 02
View of communial space with landscaping elements
Collage 03
Cascading buildings along narrow street
Collage 04
View of terracing building elevations from platform
Texture