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jmy 로고03

Myongnan Brand Lab.

Myeongnan Bran Lab.

Located on Ibagu-gil in Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, the Myeongnan Brand Lab is a multi-cultural space established by the Dong-gu Office to promote myeongnan (pollock roe).

This remodeling project aims to improve the old, neglected facility, introduce new content, and contribute to the revitalization of the local economy by developing the surrounding commercial district. Additionally, it seeks to attract tourists and transform the area into a new landmark of Busan.

1. History / Current Status / Analysis

This building is located in Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, in a hillside village formed by war refugees during the Korean War. At the time, Busan’s flatlands could not accommodate all the refugees, leading approximately 40–60% of them to settle in the mountainous areas, creating shantytowns.

In 2011, the Busan Metropolitan Government and Dong-gu Office launched an urban regeneration project called the Sanbok Road Renaissance. Instead of demolishing old neighborhoods, the initiative revitalized the area under the name Choryang Ibagu-gil by improving alleyways, building community facilities, and encouraging resident-led businesses.

However, due to a lack of understanding and participation in these new initiatives, excessive and poorly executed historical content was introduced. As a result, within less than a decade, the commercial vitality of Ibagu-gil began to decline, and this building also lost its functionality.

Situated on a slope near Sanbok Road and the 168 Stairs, the building consists of four above-ground floors and one basement floor. From the road, only two floors are visible, and the structure obstructs the panoramic view of Busan Port.

Each floor has a maximum area of 108㎡, with a total floor area of 464.05㎡. The structure is a combination of a reinforced concrete frame and wall structure.

The exterior features a brick finish but lacks distinctive design elements. Additionally, significant deterioration due to aging is evident.

Other notable issues include the lack of internal access to the rooftop and the need to use the 168 Stairs outside the building to reach the basement.

 

Moreover, the building's side facing the monorail and the 168 Stairs—an area frequented by many tourists—has very few windows, making it feel disconnected from its surroundings.

2. Design / Spatial Planning

The key objective of this remodeling plan is to diagnose and address the structural and spatial limitations of the building before incorporating the brand identity.

The goal is to maximize space utilization while transforming the building into an open, interactive space that harmonizes with its surroundings, restoring its inherent architectural charm.

Some major design and spatial planning concepts include:

  • Removing wall structures along the road-facing side to create an open balcony.

  • Installing a large window by removing part of the staircase wall to establish a visual connection with the 168 Stairs.

  • Expanding windows on the Busan Port-facing side to provide a direct harbor view from the road.

  • Removing the concrete railing on the rooftop and installing a deck to create an observation platform.

  • Adding a roof slab to provide shade and complete the building’s form.

  • To create a striking contrast with the aged brick exterior and complement the soft pink and orange hues symbolizing the myeongnan brand, the interior finish will be painted white.

Before

Location

Busan, Korea

Site Area

186 ㎡

Year

2020-2021

Bldg Area

108.65 ㎡ 

Status

Completed

Gross Area

464.05 ㎡

Use

Commercial Facility

Partnership

A-point architects
LEE juhyung, KIRA

Bldg Scope

B1, 3F

After

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Before

After

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Before

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After

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