2. HyoJa Hospital
SongDo HyoJa Hospital ; Utilizing Topographical Advantages, 2017
MoungA Mun, Youngjae Choi, Seonhee Lee, Sora Kim, Jin Dongjun
The contemporary challenge for cities and regions lies in addressing the needs of the elderly, revitalizing deteriorating urban areas, and preserving local communities to enhance social cohesion and foster sustainable urban development. The Songdo Hyoja Hospital project responds to the urgent demand for nursing facilities arising from the rapid aging of Korean society and associated social and environmental shifts. It emphasizes an open environment rather than a confined one, encouraging interaction not only among hospital users but also with visitors from outside. This design promotes rest and recovery while fostering strong connections between the elderly and local communities, facilitating the creation of social spaces both within and outside the hospital premises.
The Songdo Hyoja Hospital is located in an underdeveloped area near the Songdo amusement park in Incheon. Among the eight competing proposals, our plan was selected primarily due to its utilization of the area’s topographical variations. Specifically, our design aimed to leverage these differences in land levels to strategically plan the basement floor along a 30-meter road. Setting itself apart from other competitors, our plan achieved cost reduction and minimized the need for air supply by utilizing the sloping terrain to develop underground floors. As a result, our company was awarded the project, distinguishing itself through the provision of well-considered topographical plans and cost-saving construction methods.