Rejuvenate

The study examines the transformation of Korean apartment complexes from the 1970s to today. Once cherished homes, these concrete structures are being demolished for financial gain, leading to community fragmentation. By tracing the memories of 'apartment kids' from pre-2000 complexes and long-term residents, this research uncovers their hidden values. Through drawing analysis, it identifies potential spatial qualities and proposes subtle interventions to restore social and environmental ties, offering a renewed perspective on their significance in contemporary Korea.

This renovation scenario for an aging apartment complex in Korea takes a different approach, emphasizing the emotional ties of residents and their connection to the surrounding environment. Instead of opting for complete demolition, the design approach is driven by an analysis of residents’ memories and experiences with their neighbors, which serve as key catalysts for revitalization. Research highlights the importance of communal spaces, such as shared corridors and the janitor’s office, where residents naturally gather and interact. Additionally, the lush green spaces that have formed over decades play a vital role in residents’ engagement with their habitat. By building on these insights, the project aims to extend the lifespan of old apartment buildings through subtle design interventions that enhance spatial quality while preserving green spaces and architectural integrity. This design proposal seeks to revitalize the community by strengthening connections between residents and their environment while maintaining the human-scale character of the complex. The extended corridor, for instance, encourages residents to pause, decorate, and personalize the space, facilitating spontaneous interactions with neighbors. The ground floor, including the expanded janitor’s office, has been transformed into a versatile community space with a new flexible column structure, enhancing both functionality and openness. The new green scenario is designed to build upon a revised parking scheme, addressing the primary cause of green space loss in conventional redevelopment plans. Instead of sacrificing greenery for parking, the design preserves most of the existing green spaces while introducing subtle refinements that encourage residents to engage more actively with their surroundings.