Hanyang University Alumnus Jo Gyeom Wins Grand Prize in Student Ideas Category of Seoul Metropolitan Architecture Award

[Financial News] 

Hanyang University School of Architecture alumnus Jo Gyeom won the grand prize in the Student Ideas category of the 2026 44th Seoul Metropolitan Architecture Award. Jo Gyeom is the first recipient of the grand prize in the Student Ideas category, which was established this year.
The award-winning project is titled "Between Two Boundaries: Restoration and Utilization of the Seoul City Wall." Focusing on the area around Gyeongshin High School in Seongbuk-dong, the project separately designed the northern section, where the Seoul City Wall needs to be restored, and the eastern section, where traces of residents' use remain, then connected them into a single space.
Jo Gyeom focused on the "boundary" of the Seoul City Wall, which once defended the city. Rather than simply restoring the school fence and traces of the fortress, the project proposes transforming the area into a space that students and local residents can use together. Libraries, lounges, an auditorium, open classrooms and a museum would be arranged along the school fence, while the existing playground and traces of the fortress would be preserved as much as possible.
The project concept began when Jo Gyeom explored the Seoul City Wall trail. Gyeongshin High School retains traces of where the Seoul City Wall once ran, as well as evidence that stones from the collapsed fortress were reused in the playground stairs and spectator stands. Jo Gyeom drew inspiration from the coexistence of the historic fortress and a present-day living space in the same location.
Jo Gyeom said, "Because architecture is not a field that can be completed alone, I want to continue thinking about architecture that connects people and cities." 


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