Songpa-gu Operates 'Urban Design Doctor System'... One-on-One Review and Consultation for Public Projects

Improving Urban Design Standards Through 15 Experts

Jungyangmak Design Bus Stop Opposite Lotte Department Store, Jamsil

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) operates the ‘Urban Design Doctor System,’ which provides 1:1 consultation with design experts for public projects.

The ‘Urban Design Doctor System’ utilizes experts from the Songpa-gu Design Committee in fields such as architecture, landscaping, and color, matching them 1:1 to review and advise on public projects and public facilities promoted by the district.

It is implemented to improve the overall design quality of the city through integrated management centered on the Songpa-gu Urban Design Guidelines.

Fifteen experts from the ‘Songpa Urban Design Committee’ serve as Urban Design Doctors.

The main roles include ▲providing professional design opinions during project planning ▲offering design consultation suited to local safety and convenience through site visits during project progress ▲suggesting the district’s urban design guidelines via online and written methods.

A representative case is the unique cold-weather facility of Songpa-gu, the Jeongyangmak. At the end of 2018, the original design included many letters and graphics besides the name, which obstructed visibility and was insufficient in conveying Songpa-gu’s identity.

Through consultation, the district patterned the sumaksae, a representative artifact from the Hanseong Baekje period, placing it at the bottom to preserve historical identity while securing visibility.

Additionally, an explanation of Jeongyangmak as a ‘warm and cozy shelter’ was placed in the center of the entrance door to help users understand.

Other projects that benefited from the Urban Design Doctor’s expertise include the improvement of the interior environment of the Seongnaecheon pedestrian tunnel on the Songpa Dullegil trail (2019), installation of all-season benches at local bus stops (2018), and maintenance of soundproof walls at Bangi Elementary School (2017). They reviewed design, color, materials, harmony with surrounding conditions, and landscape to help realize the district’s urban design identity.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, “Recently, design greatly contributes to creating a city’s brand and enhancing competitiveness,” adding, “Through the Urban Design Doctor System, we will improve the design quality of public projects and further elevate the city’s dignity to create an attractive Songpa.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.