Environment Design of an Estuary Dike on the Youngsan-River

영산강 하구둑 환경설계

The objective of this project is to improve the environment of the estuary dike on the Youngsan-River through Re-landscaping. An estuary dike of the Youngsan-River, the largest in the Orient, was constructed in 1981 and connects Mokpo City and Youngam-Gun province. Twenty years ago, when this dike was completed, this place was one of the famous tourist attractions of Korea. It symbolized the development and growth of Korea. But this dike at present is only a dreary sight as a huge concrete construction element. Therefore, a wall painting on the estuary dike was planned to improve this image. The site, an estuary dike of the Youngsan-River, is located in Mokpo City and its length is about 1,360m. The planning focus of this re-landscaping, which is a proposed improvement design through the analysis of characteristics and problems in conventional facilities, is as follows: (1) Introduction of a wall painting that is a symbol of the sea and river (by the creation of an illusion), (2) Production of the wall painting which is under consideration to create a friendly atmosphere of the circumference view and (3) Preparation of a design to establish an approach to the waterfront. By following these steps, an estuary dike can function as a tourist attractions and can be transformed in to cultural space for civilian. This project is good example of environment design that is completed with the regional residents participation through community input in the planning and initiation of a wall painting. The concept of environment design which involves the residents participation and re-landscaping in Korea has not been established up to now on. However, as this projects has proven, consideration for regional residents is a very important factor for the administrative office and planing specialist to address. In the future, it will have a direct influence on the development of design planning. If the establishment of space that can be accepted by residents with love, affection and self-confidence is possible, environment design in which residents participate actively, can be realized.