URBAN ACUPUNCTURE Transforming Vacant Urban Spaces for Community Gathering Suwon, South Korea

Abstract

This design thesis applies the concept of "Urban Acupuncture" through the lens of Landscape Architecture within a UNESCO-designated historical community in Suwon, Korea. Due to the historical fabric of the area, development is highly restricted and the neighborhood community is facing difficulties, including the restrictions on redevelopment, pressure to accommodate increased tourism, increasing vacant spaces, and an imbalance of development. To address these issues, this thesis proposes utilizing urban vacant spaces and enhancing existing open space to address community needs identified through community involvement. To identify specific developable outdoor sites for residents and visitors within this neighborhood, the thesis draws on the results of two community meetings, held in the Haenggung neighborhood in 2018 and 2019. Based on the community needs identified at these meetings, the thesis design focuses on appropriate sites within the neighborhood to ease the growing tension. The specific focus of the design is four spaces including a multifunctional open public plaza, community p-patch park, and open public seating area for residents and visitors. The methods and concepts developed and demonstrated in this thesis can be applied throughout the entire Haenggung neighborhood and can create a better sustainable community within Suwon City in the future.