The market designed nearly a quarter of a century ago will get a green transformation soon. Seoul’s Garak Market, the first public wholesale market in Korea has long been criticized for its ever-present traffic congestion and inefficient logistics system. Samoo Architects and Engineers have proposed a design to deal with these problems and give a fresh eco-friendly refurbishment to it. Their proposal for the redevelopment of the Garak Market in won them a design competition.
Aiming a state-of-the-art market environment:
The primary focus of the redevelopment plan for the 543,451 sq m Garak Market that is the centre of trade for fruit, vegetables and meats in Seoul will be on building an improved market that will be space-efficient, cost-effective and sustainable. In order to meet terms with a state-of-the-art 21st century market place environment, the design solution focused on creating duality and ambivalence at two distinctive zones that are wholesale and retail.
Green features for a sustainable market:
Samoo Architects and Engineers have planned to transform the market’s roof into a huge park that opens avenues for recreational, sports and cultural activities. To offer a suitable, pleasing and environmentally friendly wholesale market, the design makes good use of solar power and renewable energy. In addition, the marketplace will also include a spacious parking space and underground waste treatment facilities. A lot of tourist will be attracted by the agriculture distribution museum, traditional food quarters and cultural experience spaces.
Reflection of efficient logistics system:
The market will achieve optimized, modernized facilities for logistics and distribution by expanding centers for packaging, processing, storing, and delivering, and by establishing a more sophisticated cold chain, food hygiene and safety system. To please the local community the design incorporates parks, gyms, and market squares. The construction works that started last year is divided into 3 phases and is scheduled to complete in 2020.
Via: WorldArchitectureNews