Isn’t it remarkable how a structure can embody a city’s complex history? Here we stand before the Structure Experiment Building in Seoul. This building is more than just concrete and steel. It is a testament to Seoul’s turbulent past and its ambitious dreams for the future.
The story of the Structure Experiment Building begins in the aftermath of war. The Korean War ended in 1953. Seoul was devastated. This area was filled with people who had lost everything. They built illegal settlements here.
In the 1960s, this district was known for prostitution. Then came Park Chung-hee, a dictator focused on industrialization. He and the mayor Kim-Hyun-Ok, cleared out these communities. They evicted thousands of people in just two months.
Kim-Hyun-Ok was known for his aggressive approach to construction. He would appear at building sites wearing a helmet and shouting “Charge!” He even camped out at construction sites. His vision shaped much of modern Seoul.
Amidst this chaos, architect Kim Swoo Geun conceived a bold plan. He imagined four separate buildings connected by a floating deck. The first floor would be for cars. The upper floors would house apartments and shops. It was an innovative concept.
Imagine walking from Jong-Myo to Namsan on this deck. You could stroll through the city’s history without cars. Luxury apartments would line the route. The Structure Experiment Building was to be a mega-structure. This was rare even by today’s standards.
Sadly, the grand plan never fully materialized. Different construction companies managed each building. They did not prioritize the floating deck. As a result, the buildings remained disconnected. You have to go down to street level. Then you must cross the road and go up again.
Despite its prime location, the Structure Experiment Building declined. By the 1990s, it became known for electronics and pornography. The Cheonggyecheon restoration further impacted the area. Many stores were evicted. The Structure Experiment Building and its surroundings fell into disrepair.
In 2008, there were plans to demolish the entire complex. This would have been the fourth time people’s lives were disrupted here. However, in 2016, Mayor Park-Won Soon decided to revive the buildings. The goal was to finally connect them with the floating deck.
The Structure Experiment Building was to become a hub for media art and young artists. Electronic engineers who remained in the area would assist them. This revival is meant to value the lives of the people connected to this place.
Seoul often demolishes buildings for economic reasons. Many view buildings as mere real estate. The hope is that the Structure Experiment Building will survive and thrive. It shows that even seemingly ugly buildings can be revived. They just need to be connected to people’s lives. This building now stands as a symbol. It represents resilience and the importance of preserving history. It reminds us that architecture is more than just construction. It is about creating spaces for people to live and connect.