“Elderly residents used to sit on benches right here.” This memory shaped the Hongje 2 Dong Community Service Center. It stands as a place for community. The Hongje 2 Dong Community Service Center serves seniors and local residents.
In 2019, Simplex Architecture designed this modern space. Greg ChungWhan Park and Sanghun Song were the lead architects. The building occupies 194 square meters. Its design seeks to harmonize functionality and aesthetics.
Notice the skewed upper mass. It leans slightly west. This creates a second-floor balcony and a canopy. The balcony sits atop the lower mass. It was pushed to the east side. The canopy shelters a wooden deck. This deck connects to an open space. This is a public terrace. People gather here to relax.
The architects wanted to maintain the neighborhood’s character. Old houses used cement roof tiles. Therefore, concrete bricks became the main cladding material for Hongje 2 Dong Community Service Center.
Look at the large corner window. It faces east and north. It accentuates the westward push of the building’s massing. The main entrance features a wooden louver door. It can fully open or close. This adapts to the building’s usage. Sunlight filters through a skylight. Metal louvers create patterns on the vertical stairs.
The first floor caters to the elderly. The men’s room has large sliding doors. When closed, they form a wall. When open, the living room expands into the men’s room. The living room connects to the west terrace. A folding door blurs inside and outside.
The second floor serves all residents. It can function as a café. It can also host lectures and activities. White louvers adorn the ceiling. Large windows on three sides offer light and views.
Hongje 2 Dong Community Service Center helps build community. It offers a space to relax and host events. It brings vitality to the Hongje-dong area. Hongje-dong itself is a neighborhood in Seodaemun District. In 2008, it had a population of over 82000.