Adapted to the existing natural terrain of the area, this is an innovative plan for an urban habitat. This urban township is being planned in Dongtan II, South Korea is a beautiful city with scenic views. There are lofty mountains, high hills and deep valleys. Through these land surfaces water gushes across the entire landscape. This is an ideal location for planning a city from the scratch. Even though the land has been used since historic times, it has not been developed like other cities. People living here have traditionally have developed the city near the waters running through it.
The inspiration
The topography of the land is ideal for planning out a new age urban setting. Since the land has not already been developed, there is not much cost and effort involved. The new proposal is to develop infrastructure that supports urban living and develops further on the existing countryside of the land area. The new project planned will preserve the natural setting of the area. The mountains and water bodies will not be touched while the urban dwelling and township are being constructed. In fact, plans are being devised to give a new lease of life to the water ways and utilize them more effectively.
The water ways will be exploited in such a way that it helps in recreation and supports existence of the community. Agricultural fields will be cultivated near the water. Also, a community park has been proposed near it. Thus the old hydro culture of the land will be preserved and the Korean traditional culture will be carried on. Since old times, people have chosen to settle close to the water bodies as it allows them to carry out livelihood practices like agriculture easily. Also, this facilitates the trade industry.
The Layout
Right in the center is a massive water body and towards the end of the town where the girth of the water narrows, a community complex has been developed. Towards the other end of the town, right across the community complex is the entertainment zone housing bars and theaters. Activity centers like the event plaza and promenade hall are located near the community center. There is a green belt along the periphery of the entire water body. The recreation park made on water has small floating islands will a canopy on top to accommodate small groups of people. Each group is separated from the other and has their own private space.
About the designer
This project has been conceptualized by Marie Park, an artist and designer. Armed with the know-how of urban planning, she has a vision to transform land into an ecological urban spaces. She has all the requisite skills of urban designing and Architecture. Thus, she is a multidisciplinary artist with a passion to evolve landscape into ecological townships that also have technological sophistication. The need to not raze down natural territory but to develop it further retaining the natural environment is reflected in her work. She has the Master of City and Regional Planning in Urban Design from the University of Pennsylvania. Some of her other creations are; Oranjestad waterfront park, Ellen Tracy showroom, East Asian Community Center, La Moda Fresca, etc.
Via: mariepublic
