Park Avenue: A New Urban Oasis by Minwoo Ahn

Revolutionizing Commercial Spaces with Nature and Innovation

At the heart of Jingeon District, Gyeonggi-do, Park Avenue emerges as a complex commercial space, designed to redefine the concept of urban living. Minwoo Ahn, the visionary behind this project, draws inspiration from the mixed contemporary lifestyle, where the daily lives of diverse individuals converge. The design aims to serve as a premium urban living room, infused with comfort, inspiration, and relaxation, all while being intimately connected to nature.

What sets Park Avenue apart is its dedication to creating specialized areas for self-relaxation and landscaping. An open space seamlessly connects to a linear park, integrating the subway station and expanding into the surrounding residential complex. This design strategy positions the entire area as a grand urban living room, offering an inspiring and unique space for everyday life. The interplay between pedestrians and vehicles is reimagined, crafting an environment that is both unusual and meticulously planned.

The realization of Park Avenue is a marvel of design and technology. The ground level is an interactive space where street life meets potential, with floor fountains and rotating swings adding elements of surprise. Attractions at the entrances and a central house garden concept cater to families, encouraging play and relaxation. The design ascends from the second to fourth floors, creating vertical connectivity and a specialized atrium experience, punctuated by large media poles that project images across the floors, adding character to the environment.

Technical specifications reveal the magnitude of Park Avenue: an 8,400m2 site area, a 5,725m2 building area, and a towering height of 69m, comprising 209 stores across B5F-15F. The design is a response to the trend of smaller individual living spaces and dense work environments. By offering high ceilings and a spacious middle area, it provides residents with a sanctuary akin to their own courtyard, enhancing the quality of urban life.

Park Avenue's interaction with its users is central to its design philosophy. Public elements like floor fountains and rotating tables are strategically placed to attract park-goers, offering a respite from the monotony of daily life. The design encourages a sense of community and shared experience, fostering a connection with the park and providing a unique urban experience.

The project's timeline spans from its inception in August 2020 to its anticipated completion in April 2024. Located near Dasan Station, the site is a strategic nexus connecting parks, roads, and commercial districts, promising to become a vibrant hub of activity and leisure. Research from the Korean Journal of Landscape Architecture underscores the growing significance of outdoor spaces in commercial complexes, advocating for designs that support diverse activities and enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity.

Overcoming the challenge of integrating a neighborhood shopping mall within an apartment complex, Park Avenue innovates by focusing on functional programs that cater to both tenants and visitors. By creating pathways that naturally lead into the mall and connecting it to parks, the design invites residents to engage with the space, fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Park Avenue is not just a commercial space; it's a lifestyle destination that prioritizes relaxation, landscaping, and connectivity. It's a living room for the city, providing an extraordinary experience that blends convenience with style. Its recognition with the Bronze A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2024 is a testament to its innovative approach and contribution to enhancing the urban experience.