A Revitalisation of Busan’s Station Area
Busan Station serves as one of the city's primary entry points, making it a vital location for shaping first and last impressions of the city. Additionally, it functions as a major transportation hub for local residents, featuring a large outdoor event plaza.
Towards the west is the Choryang Ibagu-gil area with its rich historical and cultural sites.
To the east lies the emerging cultural district, anchored by the forthcoming Busan Opera House, which will integrate into the station area. This development will elevate the significance of our broader site and the need for high-quality public spaces.
How can we create a design for this public space that not only meets current and future demands but also respects the existing constraints of this complex site?
@pedestrian obstructions
Cluttered Sidewalks
The narrow sidewalk is cluttered with a perplexing variety of objects—electric boxes, ventilation shafts, containers, stairs, signage, lamp posts, and more—creating a visual cacophony. This disorganization amplifies the discomfort of pedestrians, making the space feel even more cramped.
Given that many of these elements are nearly impossible to remove, the key design challenge lies in integrating them into a cohesive visual language that spans the entire street.
Cluttered Sidewalks
The narrow sidewalk is cluttered with a perplexing variety of objects—electric boxes, ventilation shafts, containers, stairs, signage, lamp posts, and more—creating a visual cacophony. This disorganization amplifies the discomfort of pedestrians, making the space feel even more cramped.Given that many of these elements are nearly impossible to remove, the key design challenge lies in integrating them into a cohesive visual language that spans the entire street.
An Integrated System
This section proposes a strategy to create a visually coherent and functional streetscape by designing street elements as an integrated system rather than as isolated components.
Unsightly infrastructure objects are reinterpreted as citizen-friendly features, such as planters and benches, and combined into multifunctional elements to reduce clutter and improve the pedestrian environment.
These changes not only enhance the street’s aesthetics but also increase its sense of openness and hospitality, creating a space where pedestrians feel comfortable staying.
Unsightly infrastructure objects are reinterpreted as citizen-friendly features, such as planters and benches, and combined into multifunctional elements to reduce clutter and improve the pedestrian environment.
These changes not only enhance the street’s aesthetics but also increase its sense of openness and hospitality, creating a space where pedestrians feel comfortable staying.
Bench
Ventilation Shaft
Given that approximately 50% of the shaft area must be preserved for ventilation, we propose creating louvers on half of the pebble-shaped elements to ensure adequate airflow.
The remaining 50% of the elements can be utilized as planters, combining functional ventilation with aesthetic and ecological benefits.
Phase Two
This phase is focusing on improving the connectivity between Busan station and our site along Jungang-daero.
Additionally, the existing western arm of the Eurasia platform is underutilized, as it lies outside the main circulation routes. Our proposal is to extend this platform above the taxi station, bridging over the main road to create a direct and seamless connection between the station and our site. This will not only improve accessibility but also enhance the overall experience for both visitors and locals.
Bridge Connection
Our proposal extends the platform above the taxi station, bridging over the main road to create a direct and seamless connection between the station and our site.
This intervention will not only improve accessibility but also enhance the overall experience for both visitors and locals, offering a more convenient and intuitive route while integrating the site more closely with the station.
The bridge offers a memorable journey enriched with vibrant activities and events, transforming from a mere crossing into a dynamic public space where people can gather and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
At the same time, it serves as a platform that brings together art and nature, creating a unique space where creative expression and the natural environment coexist.
At the same time, it serves as a platform that brings together art and nature, creating a unique space where creative expression and the natural environment coexist.