Cheonggyecheon River Case Study (CUE)

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

• Seoul, South Korea.
• 2 year scheme launched in 2003 to restore river = $281 million, transformed into 5.8 km ecologically sensitive green pedestrian corridor.

Question 2

Reason for and aims for project

Answer 2

• past focused on industrialisation and cars, now focus on QoL and ecosystems importance.
• government aim to improve connectivity between cities north and south side (freeway acted as a divide).

Question 3

Work carried out

Answer 3

• 22 bridges (12 pedestrian, 10 for cars and pedestrian) built to improve movement N and S across area.
• Central Historic Zone = undergroun waterways redirected to create new stream bed with landscape banks, foundations and stones from old bridges used as decorative elements.
• Middle Zone = focused on using environmental friendly materials, recreation areas and waterfront decks.
• Final Zone = designed to look overgrown and untamed, sections of pier and overpass left as industrial momentoes.

Question 4

Attitudes and Contribution of parties involved

Answer 4

• South Korean president included restoration of stream in successful bid to become Mayor of Seoul in 2001, becoming priority for his administration.
• transportation experts = removing elevated highway would increase traffic congestion in northern end of city as it carried 169,000 vehicles a day.
• local businesses saw project interruption/threat to livelihoods = Cheonggyecheon Restoration Citizens Committee surveyed markets in detail, carried out interviews with likely to be affected + held regional consultation meetings.

Question 5

Evaluation

Answer 5

• stream became a tourist attraction = 18.1 million visitors by the end of 2008.

Economic sustainability
- property prices risen at double the rate than elsewhere in city.
- number of businesses in area closest to restoration has increased compared to decreasing trends in most other city districts.

Traffic congestion
- bus and subway usage increased.
- 2.5°C reduction in average temp due to decrease in vehicles.

Environment
- stream reestablished lots of habitats.
- plant and animal species reappeared.

Non-inclusive design
- 2005 = protest march demanding right to access new pathway alongside stream.
- response = lifts provided at 7 locations, with free wheelchairs for users.
- irregular surfaces still uncomfortable for people who use a wheelchair and poorly lit, congested tunnels are difficult for visually impaired.