A condensing of logistics and marketplace focused on alternative agricultural and product processes to enrich community.
Nestled in Gasan-Dong, an enclave at the southern-western fringes of Seoul, South Korea, The Switch emerges as an alternative to fulfilment centres within an area of historical significance. This district, once a centre in Seoul's industrial revolution, now stands at the precipice of transformation. Old industrial edifices gracefully yield to the ascent of new-age office blocks catering to the burgeoning technology sector. The Switch stands poised to refine and challenge the contours of the neighborhood's identity.
At its core, The Switch symbolizes a convergence—an amalgamation where logistics seamlessly intertwine with a market-focused approach, championing unconventional agricultural and product processes.
Its strategic positioning within this revitalizing district aligns with a vision to reshape not just physical structures but the essence of communal engagement and commerce.
IRL aims to find commonality between tradition and modernity by harmonising diverse facets: from a restaurant showcasing avant-garde culinary delights to a cafe fostering creative discourse, a cooking school nurturing culinary expertise, and a bar serving as a hub for social convergence.
The heartbeat of The Switch pulsates with a commitment to ecological and communal criticality. Beyond merely reimagining logistics and market dynamics, this endeavour charts a transformative course by integrating a hydroponic farm. This addition stands as a testament to The Switch's ethos, fostering a local ecosystem that nourishes the community with fresh produce while underscoring the importance of environmentally conscious practices.
As The Switch diffuses its narrative into the evolving story of Gasan-Dong, it not only redefines the city but weaves an intricate tapestry of holistic progress, innovation, and community symbiosis.
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Type: Mixed-Use (Fulfilment Centre, Marketplace, Restaurants, Aquaponics Farm)
Year: 2019
Lead: Kelvin Kaifung Chan
