The Mapo Oil Depot is a valuable industrial legacy of Seoul but has been forgotten for quite some time since its original purpose was terminated. In an era of economic growth in Korea, a fresh approach is needed regarding this industrial legacy, which, ironically can survive in having been forgotten.
Deviating from conventional attitude, demolishing the old city and constructing the new, it is time to try to keep the memory and history of this old structure and to revive its uniqueness. As an attempt to get back not only the old structure but also the territory having been closed for decades to the people of Seoul, this project will be a meaningful beginning. The competition expects proposals that recover the existing facilities and territory, not only grant a series of programs onto the old structure. In this sense, the organization hopes that the International Competition for Culture Depot Park by Rehabilitating Mapo Oil Depot can show the direction to where architecture in Seoul should go.
The jury includes Toyo Ito, and the winning entry will be awarded with a design contract. Entries can be submitted until August 12. For more information please go to the competition's official website.
