In collaboration with client Shinsegae, Olson Kundig Architects has designed a 20,000 square foot roof garden in Uijeongbu, South Korea. Sitting atop the ninth floor of a twelve story department store, the park acts as a playground for children and a cultural center for the community. The project follows a rising trend: placing green spaces on top of buildings in urban areas to create safe and secluded public places. This particular garden uses entirely native species and incorporates sculptures by the artist Do-Ho Suh.
Alan Maskin, design principal for the project, states: "“We were determined to make an engaging and unusual place for Korean children and families that would be unlike any other.” The garden is designed as a series of outdoor rooms and includes areas for active play, as well as contemplation, for both children and adults. Kids can take advantage of the maze garden, mist garden, wading pool, and tree houses. Animal sculptures based off of figures from Korean art and mythology are scattered throughout the park, and are crafted from reclaimed lumber.
