An aerial view of the complex building to be built in Dosan Park. /Courtesy of Seoul Gangnam-gu

The Gangnam District of Seoul announced on the 5th that it will construct a new complex building with a library and public parking lot, as the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Memorial Hall, built in 1988, has deteriorated.

Gangnam District selected the joint submission 'A Shift for Coexistence, A Borderless Place, Dosan' by Unju Architectural Office and Face Architectural Office as the winning entry among the final 80 submissions. The newly constructed building will also include a cultural space for nearby residents.

The winning proposal was highly praised for maximizing the functions of culture, education, and exchange spaces while preserving the natural scenery of Dosan Park. Designed with four basement levels and two ground levels, the building will have an open exhibition space on the 1st and 2nd floors, and the library on the 2nd floor will utilize an outdoor deck connected to the park. A multipurpose room that can accommodate various events will also be designed to connect naturally with the park. Community facilities for residents have also been included. The basement parking lot can accommodate 124 vehicles, which is expected to alleviate the parking issues in the area.

Gangnam District plans to complete the basic and detailed designs for this winning project by November and start construction in January next year, aiming for completion in December 2027.

Gangnam District Mayor Cho Sung-myung noted, "We will do our best to ensure that the newly reborn memorial hall honors the spirit of Ahn Chang-ho while also being a high-quality cultural space for local residents and a facility that alleviates urban parking issues."