Urban Grove: A New Paradigm in Complex Cultural Spaces

Minwoo Ahn's Award-Winning Design Merges Commerce with Nature

Urban Grove stands out as a complex cultural space that redefines the concept of a shopping mall. Minwoo Ahn's vision was to create a garden within the city, a place where people could engage with nature without leaving the urban environment. The design emphasizes the importance of landscaping specialization, creating a space that is as much about the experience of the environment as it is about consumption.

The design's unique properties lie in its exterior characters, which are strategically planned to foster a connection between the shopping mall and its surroundings. By incorporating natural light and outdoor air into the underground floors and guiding visitors to the central area of the above-ground mall, the design promotes a central concentration that is both inviting and functional.

Urban Grove's realization technology is as impressive as its design. It features an efficient movement system for pedestrians and vehicles, with hierarchies that mimic natural pathways such as avenues and alleys. The central pavilion in the square allows visitors to experience the outdoors, with exposure to elements like sunlight and rain, enhancing the overall ambiance.

The technical specifications of Urban Grove are notable, with a site area of over 32,000 square meters and a building height of 166 meters. The commercial facilities span three floors and house 585 stores, making it a significant retail destination. The design's tags, including Grove Mall and Garden Square, reflect its dual nature as a commercial and cultural hub.

Minwoo Ahn has carefully considered the interaction between the design and its users. To avoid confusion and enhance the shopping experience, the design includes centralized radial lines and distinct zones, each with its own character, to help visitors navigate the space and remember their experiences.

Located in a key administrative and business center, Urban Grove benefits from excellent transportation links and accessibility. The project, which began in January 2020, is currently under construction with completion targeted for May 2024. It is a product of extensive research into the evolving role of outdoor spaces in commercial complexes and their potential to enhance user experiences.

One of the design challenges overcome was the integration of landscaping within the shopping mall without obstructing views or hindering pedestrian flow. The design team meticulously planned the density and height of plantings to ensure visibility and comfort. The result is a space that harmoniously blends rest areas with greenery, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments.

Urban Grove has been recognized for its innovative approach to landscape planning and garden design, earning the Iron A' Design Award in 2024. This accolade is a testament to the project's design excellence, practicality, and innovation, reflecting Minwoo Ahn's commitment to creating spaces that not only meet industrial standards but also enrich the human experience.