WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM
CONCEPT
EXPERIENTIAL
PERIODE
2020
LOCATE
KOREA SOUTH
Korean Civilian War Memorial & Ecological Park
Concept
This memorial honors the civilian victims of the Korean War, reminding visitors that the tragedy of war extends far beyond the battlefield. The design separates the site into two distinct realms—
- Memorial Park: a quiet, contemplative landscape.
- Recreational Park: a vibrant ecological park for community gathering.
The Konyreong Stream forms the natural boundary between the two.
Memorial Park
- Memorial Building – Set beside a widened stretch of the stream, the building offers a powerful, immersive journey.
- Memorial Hall: sculpted like a war trench, with floor-to-ceiling projections of historical imagery to convey the harsh reality of conflict.
- Exhibition Hall: twisting walls and interactive displays tell the story of cocoa’s global history and, more importantly, the war’s impact on civilians. Decks project outward for views of the surrounding hills and excavation sites, grounding history in its true location.
- Education & Administration: located on the upper level with a separate entrance to maintain the hall’s solemn atmosphere.
- Memorial Paths – After the indoor exhibits, visitors follow meandering trails lined with name-story plaques linked by white string elements, symbolizing a garland of unity and peace. Wooden decks overlook the excavation sites, preserving them as places of remembrance.
Recreational & Ecological Park
On the eastern side, the recreational zone invites active and passive recreation:
- Active areas for sports such as soccer and basketball.
- Passive zones with natural gravel paths, wood-chip trails, and wheelchair-friendly concrete edges for family walks.
- Community Facilities: an event space and a café with a stream-facing deck and a rooftop viewing platform.
Paths follow the natural topography, encouraging visitors to engage with the landscape while providing shaded seating beneath randomly planted native trees.
Sustainability
Environmental stewardship shapes every aspect of the design:
Integrated storm-water management and habitat corridors to maintain ecological diversity.
Minimal disturbance of existing topography and habitats.
Native planting and enhancement of natural wetland systems to filter runoff and support biodiversity.
On-site materials for paths and structures to reduce transport and waste.