In this project of redevelopment of Dong-dae-mun district (DDM) , the main challenge was to redevelop the traditional, but now in doldrums, commercial districts and buildings into a fashion hive. DDM was historically one of the largest market in Seoul and a very interesting place for supplying not only clothing but almost everything! However, DDM is now just selling the things related to clothing, from garments to numerous accessories, whereas the peculiar building environment still remains. So, naturally, a total re-design is impossible and the main challenge instead is the colossal concern about just how to re-arrange existing building structures with the minimum interference.

Therefore, rather than merely adjusting existing circumstances, it seems more plausible to invent methods to add some new programs. Because with some new activities and events, the programs and atmosphere can be reestablished, and then the circulation of the whole market can be rearranged as well. I first explored various ways to add some new programs that can provoke deviating events and activities in the place which is just for selling the clothing nowadays. I could, simply put, decide to exploit the roof levels of existing buildings and attach some new cores of urban scale to it. Then, the issue moved towards the connectivity and programs. Because the idea of connectivity of the whole market can be referred to as creating new values or methods by deviating from the dominant existing ones, I have to secondly explore where the crucial points of places are and what can be the additional programs.

The most distinctive aspect of DDM is that its shops open 24/7 alternately. It is like turning lights on and off. So, the gap in time created by open and closed shops inspired me to think of the opportunity of potential usage for other programs such as exhibitions, sports, art related activities, and performances. To connect those gaps -- the void of time -- can make some kind of serial and continuous common floor for provoking the new activities, changing dramatically as time goes on. Additionally, the other interesting aspect of DDM place is that everything is juxtaposed in horizontal relation. While it is loosely categorized, it feels as though it is a maze of clothing and accessories. In that sense, building circulations cannot be treated as a problem, but as a peculiar characteristics of place, despite the fact that it is a little confusing sometimes. The connectivity, therefore, led from outside, the roof floors, to inside of the building, sweeping them gently, in order not to disturb and ruin that originality. Then, it would be an infilling process in terms of both time and space..

»Juxtaposition

Coexistence of existing buildings and the adscititious structure can be achieved by juxtaposition, which is the principal peculiar characteristics of space in DDM marketplace. With this conception, people would be able to pass through the between spaces that can provide extraordinary experiences to them. Programs would open and close alternately in the unified structure, while the in-between spaces could be active and infilled with ever changing events and activities. In conclusion, its original juxtaposed characteristics can extend to urban level, which can contribute to the urban activities and ,in turn, re-establish its context by itself from time to time, from mere traditional peculiarity.

»Integrating roof

In order to provide and redevelop DDM to a unified active place, the whole marketplace can be covered by a roof system which serves as an structural support as well, for the old structural system may be not enough for supporting the new adscititious program spaces. That truss structure would be connected with the new core of urban scale and some new columns, thereby being able to support whole program spaces in both aspects of the structure and equipment. Meanwhile, the roof system is adaptable as well. It can be used for exhibiting or changeable shading, giving the place more sense of activeness and versatility.