As designer's of the built environment we have the incredible responsibility of acute contextual awareness. Beyond that we must seek to predict future conditions that anticipate new and yet to be seen environmental and urban conditions. All of this sometimes seems impossible to incorporate in a project and yet without broad dimensional considerations architecture falls well short of it's potential as a contributor in the environment. My partner and I began this modest student housing project in South Korea with the intention of an expanded typology for student living given the realization of current residential practices in the region. Each dwelling was designed as self sufficient and autonomous spaces within a collective sustainable building 'unit'. The macro planning of each residential 'unit' is positioned between what we considered unconditioned spatial 'buffers'; corridor and patio space. Each plan takes advantage of site solar orientation as well as serving basic functional needs for student occupants (cooking, laundry, storage etc.)
The layout of the building intended for a sequence of experiences as one passes from street side entry to dwelling space. A long, straight stair at the flanking west side of the building connects to each of three floors of studio apartment units. A single loaded corridor off of the stair establishes an informal entry and internal seasonal buffer. Each exposed end of the studio unit is 'padded' with enclosed patio space providing necessary environmental and privacy insulation for each apartment. The corridor and patio spaces function as previously mentioned 'buffers' in both intense summer heat and cold winter months.
The growing urban area in which the apartment is located will soon be a major urban center for the city of Gwangju. It is projected that in the next decade much of the vacant ground around the site will be developed.
