Daejeon City announced today, July 31, that it has selected 5 outstanding works out of 15 submissions in the conceptual design competition for the wooden observatory and bridge to be built within Hanbat Arboretum. This competition was open to domestic and international architects, aiming to construct symbolic and creative wooden structures in Hanbat Arboretum, a key green space in the heart of Daejeon. Among the 11 domestic and 4 international submissions, a panel of 7 experts, including national chief architects and public architecture specialists, meticulously evaluated the entries based on creativity, public interest, and harmony with nature, ultimately selecting the 5 winning designs.
Five Selected Works Envision Harmony Between Nature and City
The five selected works present different visions and design philosophies for the future of Hanbat Arboretum, showcasing innovative architectural attempts to connect nature and the city.
The first notable work is 'Daecheongyeonga (大廳戀歌)' by German architect Joo Hyun-je. This design features a horizontal landscape with a contemplative narrative along the visual axis opening towards Hanbit Tower, and a structure that organically connects the East and West Gardens. The intention to blend the architecture with nature while creating a new landscape through visual links to Hanbit Tower, a symbol of Daejeon, is particularly striking.
The second outstanding work is 'Below, Within, and Above the Forest' by Ethership Architects. This design interprets the various layers of the forest architecturally, proposing a three-dimensional circulation path that allows visitors to experience the arboretum differently at the lower, middle, and upper levels. This effort to maximize interaction with nature by allowing visitors to experience the depth and changes of the forest in multiple dimensions is evident.
Third is 'A Frame of Scenery Changing the City's Eye Level' by Teduri Architects. Inspired by the traditional pavilion Mandaeru, this design emphasizes the unique charm of Hanbat Arboretum through restrained beauty, while also highlighting its function as a viewpoint for Daejeon's city center. Its pursuit of both the aesthetics of traditional architecture and modern utility is impressive.
The fourth selected work is 'Arboretum Walking Trail Connection,' a joint submission by PLA Architects and Munhwagongjang Architects. This design centers around a triangular observatory, enabling focused views in specific directions and panoramic views at the apex, providing diverse visual experiences. This offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the arboretum and cityscapes from various angles.
Finally, 'Hanbat Park Tower X Floating Walk' by German architect BAEK Architekten incorporates a composition that re-connects and allows experience of the city and forest through spaces open in various directions and viewing paths. This work was highly praised for its ability to serve not just as a structure, but as a medium connecting the city and nature, opening up new possibilities for interaction for visitors.
Final Design Confirmation Through Public Presentation and Nominated Competition
The selected outstanding works will be unveiled to the public at a citizen presentation during the '2025 Daejeon Urban Architecture Festival' in September. This is expected to be an important occasion for citizens to collectively envision the future of Hanbat Arboretum and share architectural visions. Daejeon City plans to proceed with a nominated design competition for these five teams in the first half of 2026 to select the preferred negotiator for the final design project.
Park Jun-yong, Head of Daejeon City's Luxury Design Division, stated, "We hope that Hanbat Arboretum will be reborn as a new green landmark of Daejeon through creative designs that harmonize with nature," adding, "We will do our best to create a space that citizens and nature can enjoy together." Through this competition, Hanbat Arboretum is expected to establish itself as a new symbol of Daejeon, where architecture and nature blend seamlessly, going beyond a mere natural space. It is anticipated that the actual implementation of these outstanding works will further enrich and beautify Daejeon's urban landscape.
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