VIDEO PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT
PROJECT'S INSPIRATION: SOCIAL ISOLATION
Technology has reduced opportunities for people to meet and interact in person, leading to social disconnection, isolation, and negative consequences such as mental health issues, solitary deaths, and crimes. In addition, the rise in the number of one-person households has resulted in a severe social problem. Therefore, to address this issue, creating a co-living space that encourages interaction and communication with neighbors seemed like a viable solution.
IDEA OF 'WOORI-JIP'
The term ‘Woori-Jip’ translates to ‘our home’ in Korean, a linguistic nuance that emphasizes a collective sense of belonging over individual ownership. This linguistic choice is reflective of the prevalent cultural tendency in Korea to refer to residences as ‘our home’ rather than ‘my home,’ underscoring the deep-seated community sentiments and neighborhood bonds that have endured through the annals of Korean society.
In fostering a vibrant social environment, dedicated shared spaces have been strategically positioned between the buildings, complemented by the installation of multiple windows to enhance visibility isolation. The incorporation of a central garden and an outdoor terrace on the building’s roof further augments the design, providing inviting spaces that facilitate neighborhood interaction and a diverse range of activities.
KEY DESIGN INSPIRATION: JUNG-JA
The overarching design of this project draw inspiration from the traditional Korean pavilion known as Jung-Ja, which historically served as a central gathering hub for socialization. The Jung-Ja played a vital role as a communal space where neighbors in the village would come together to engage in various social activities. It stands as a symbolic representation of the rich social connections prevalent in historical agricultural communities in Korea. The project incorporates design elements from traditional Korean patterns into the windows and roofs. These elements were carefully integrated to pay homage to the cultural heritage, ensuring that the design is not just inspired by tradition but authentically reflects it.
PROJECT SUMMARY
This project addresses the issue of solitary deaths in Korea through the creation of a co-living space designed to foster interaction and communication. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Jung-Ja pavilion, historically serving as a communal gathering spot for villagers, the design seeks to instill a sense of community. To promote socializing, I incorporated shared spaces between buildings and installed multiple windows, aiming to cultivate interaction and thwart feelings of isolation. Enhancing community engagement, a central garden and an outdoor terrace on the building's roof were integrated to encourage neighborhood interaction and support a diverse range of activities. In the process of developing this project, I gained a profound insight into Korea's rich traditional culture, recognizing the timeless importance of socialization and interaction in contemporary society. This endeavor not only addresses a societal challenge but also contributes to the revival and reinterpretation of cultural elements in the pursuit of fostering meaningful human connections.