Too Flashy? Gangnam's Next Landmark Apartment Complexes Face Main Gate Review

\r\n\r\n[The Financial News] As newly built apartment complexes in Seoul seek to stand out with massive main gates, local governments have stepped in to review the designs. The concern is that overly flashy and oversized gates could create a sense of separation from the surrounding neighborhood.
According to the redevelopment industry on the 4th, the reconstruction associations for Raemian Triniwon in Banpo-dong, Seocho District (Banpo Jugong Apartment Complex 3), THE H Class+est (Banpo Jugong Apartment Complex 124), and THE H Bangbae in Bangbae-dong (Bangbae District 5) recently received notice from the Seocho-gu Office that their main gate installations would be subject to review. As completion approaches, Seocho District has raised the need to adjust the designs while examining the main entrances of large apartment complexes. Raemian Triniwon and THE H Bangbae are scheduled for completion in August, while THE H Class+est is set to be completed in November next year.
Seocho District pointed to the "Guidelines for Preparing Review Documents for Seoul Metropolitan Government Building Committees," which advise against excessive main gate installations that could cut off the complex from the surrounding area. The main gate at Raemian Triniwon features a design with sparkling, diamond-like lights falling like stars. The key issue for THE H Class+est and THE H Bangbae is said to be the main gate's "waterfall curtain" feature.
A Seocho District official said, "When consulting with the associations, we have informed them of the review details from each committee, including those standards." The official added, "We are providing the same guidance not only to these three complexes but also to other complexes nearing completion through regular permit consultations."
While the associations are discussing possible design changes, some in the industry are saying this could become a "second Skybridge controversy." During the tenure of former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, Skybridges were repeatedly rejected in the design review process at many reconstruction sites because they were seen as damaging the cityscape and creating a sense of inequality. Although creative skylines later became possible again, the perception that it is difficult to clear architectural review has taken hold, leaving many associations hesitant to choose such designs.
Industry insiders are also complaining that asking for changes to already finalized designs is excessive. One official said, "The association, which is the main party in the reconstruction project, is installing the main gate as private property, so it is unfortunate that the design of the complex entrance is being restricted."
There had been rumors in the industry that the Seoul Metropolitan Government had requested changes to the main gate designs, but that turned out not to be true. A Seoul Metropolitan Government official explained, "Requests for design revisions at the city level are made during the permit stage," adding, "For complexes that are about to be completed, the city does not ask for design changes."
ming@fnnews.com Jemin Kyung Reporter