Abstract
This study analyzes public spaces within churches on one hand, and spaces which mediate the boundaries between churches and local communities on the other to explore various ways in which churches can be situated in and connected to the city around them. This study draws on church architecture in Seoul and its satellite cities to explore the techniques currently in use for these mediating spaces, and what lessons could be learned for future church design. The connection techniques in horizontal and vertical spaces were organized into the following typology: (1) Expansion of public spaces using void within the church; (2) Modification of boundaries between interior and exterior; (3) Experimental programs through transforming spatial factors; (4) Insertion of continuous programs of external environment. Finally, based on these characteristics, Korean churches are also consulted to explore two different perspectives-'Planning methods for integrated publicness' on one hand, and 'Strengthening connectivity of public spaces through program-based intervention' on the other. Ultimately, the paper concludes that these various techniques do not operate separately, but are complementary and interdependent.
