Breaking Down High Walls into Open Spaces... HUG Remodels Busan's 'Gwangsam Senior Center'

(Photo by HUG)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG) announced on the 23rd that it completed the remodeling of 'Gwangsam Senior Center' located in Suyeong-gu, Busan, and held a completion ceremony on the 20th.

This remodeling was carried out as part of the 'HOPE with HUG' project. This project is promoted through a tripartite agreement among HUG, Busan City, and the Busan Architecture Festival.

It involves improving the living environment and public facilities for socially vulnerable groups through sponsorship from HUG and local construction companies, as well as pro bono design work by architects. This year, HUG increased its sponsorship fund by 150 million KRW compared to last year and is conducting the project with the goal of supporting six locations.

Gwangsam Senior Center was constructed over a month with funding sponsored by HUG and design talent donated by Professor Pyo Eungseok of the Department of Architecture at Dongseo University.

Since its completion in 1988, only partial repairs had been made, resulting in severe aging both inside and outside. It was originally a general residential house used as a senior center, so the restroom and kitchen were structured inconveniently for elderly users.

Therefore, the restroom and kitchen were completely renovated to make them convenient for the elderly, the deteriorated exterior materials were removed and replaced, and the high walls were demolished to create an open space.

Lee Jaegwang, President of HUG, said, "HUG will continue to promote various social contribution activities for local residents and fulfill the social responsibilities of a public enterprise."

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