What Was Discussed at the Meeting Between the Seoul Metropolitan Council Urban Planning Management Committee and the Seoul Architects Association?

Discussion on Proposals for the Construction Industry, Enhancing Urban Competitiveness, and Institutional Issues

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The Chairperson Group of the Seoul Metropolitan Council Urban Planning and Management Committee (Chairperson Kim Hee-geol, Democratic Party, Yangcheon 4; Vice Chairperson Jeon Seok-gi (Jungnang 4); Vice Chairperson No Sik-rae (Yongsan 2)) held a meeting with the Seoul Architects Association Executive Board (President Kim Jae-rok) on the 26th at 11 a.m. in the VIP room on the first floor of the Seoul Metropolitan Council main building.

The meeting was organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Council to create a communication platform between the Seoul Metropolitan Council and the Seoul Architects Association, sharing major projects and activities currently being promoted by the Seoul Architects Association and freely exchanging opinions on institutional issues and proposals.

The Seoul Architects Association is a statutory organization founded in 1965 as a branch under the Articles of Incorporation of the Korea Institute of Architects, pursuant to Article 32 of the Architect Act. It actively strives to uphold the dignity of architects, protect their rights and interests, promote unity and fellowship among members, and improve the quality of buildings and architectural culture through research and development of architectural technology and work improvements.

Kim Jae-rok, President of the Seoul Architects Association, stated, “We will strive to improve the quality of buildings through research and development of architectural technology and work improvements,” and proposed the following seven suggestions:

▲ Change the term ‘Village Architect’ which may cause confusion with ‘Architect’

▲ Improve the non-payment of agency fees for on-site investigation and inspection confirmation work during building permit processes

▲ Normalize the payment standards for various inspection agency fees (such as building safety inspections and on-site investigation and inspection confirmation work during occupancy approval)

▲ Implement work to realize the design intent of architects

▲ Amend ordinances related to excavation review for small-scale buildings

▲ Amend ordinances related to the seven-story height limit in Type 2 General Residential Areas

▲ Amend ordinances related to exceptions for supervision designated by building permit authorities

Kim Hee-geol, Chairperson of the Urban Planning and Management Committee, said, “The role of architects is very important for the smooth supply of public-led housing expansion, street housing redevelopment projects, and station-area youth housing, which are being promoted by the government. We ask for active cooperation regarding various architectural and housing policies being promoted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the government.” He added, “We also ask for active participation in the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s joint housing quality inspection team, scheduled to operate from July this year, and continuous cooperation in various architectural administrations such as the Seoul Architecture Festival.”

Finally, regarding the institutional proposals from the Seoul Architects Association, he stated that they will actively work to prepare improvement measures through reviewing relevant regulations, consulting with the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s responsible departments, and conducting internal discussions.

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