Building an Architecture of Everyday Life in South Korea Mass Housing Estates 1962-2008
Introduction
Building an Architecture of Everyday Life in South Korea: Mass Housing Estates in Seoul as an Instrument of Modernization, 1962-2008″ is a doctoral dissertation by Marc Brossa Balcells, submitted to the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in 2019. The study delves into the evolution of mass housing estates in Seoul, examining their role as both physical structures and social instruments in South Korea’s modernization efforts from 1962 to 2008.
Historical Context and Political Influence
In 1961, General Park Chung-hee’s coup d’état led to the establishment of the Third Republic, marking the beginning of South Korea’s developmental state. The introduction of five-year economic plans in 1962 aimed to transform the nation from one of the poorest countries, with a per capita GDP of $79, into a modern industrial economy. These plans prioritized rapid industrialization and urbanization, setting the stage for extensive mass housing developments in Seoul.
Economic Development and Urbanization
The “Miracle on the Han River” refers to South Korea’s remarkable economic growth during this period. The nation’s GDP saw exponential increases, reaching milestones such as $200 billion and eventually $1 trillion. This economic boom fueled urban migration, leading to a pressing demand for housing in Seoul. The government’s response was the systematic development of mass housing estates to accommodate the burgeoning urban population.
Phases of Mass Housing Development
The evolution of mass housing in Seoul can be delineated into distinct phases:
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Initiation Phase (1962-1971): Following the 1962 economic plan, new planning laws were enacted, framing the development of mass housing. However, housing policy was not an initial priority during this phase.
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Expansion Phase (1972-1979): With the second economic cycle in 1972 and political changes, city planning and housing policies began to address housing issues earnestly. This period saw increased construction of mass housing estates to meet the growing demand.
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Stabilization Phase (1980-1987): Efforts were made to stabilize the housing market and improve the quality of mass housing estates. The government’s focus shifted towards creating more livable environments within these developments.
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Liberalization Phase (1988-1997): Following the democratic transition in 1987, there was a gradual liberalization of the economy and real estate market. The 1997 Asian Economic Crisis marked the end of the five-year economic cycles and led to significant changes in housing policies.
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Modernization Phase (1998-2008): Post-crisis, South Korea continued to modernize its housing sector, with a focus on integrating mass housing estates into the broader urban fabric and addressing emerging challenges.
Impact on Urban Society and Everyday Life
Mass housing estates in Seoul have been instrumental in shaping the settings of everyday life, from the urban scale to residential neighborhoods and domestic habitats. An estimated 53% of Seoul’s population resides in these estates, highlighting their significance in the city’s social landscape. Despite their prevalence, these developments are often overlooked by the architectural community and criticized from sociological, economic, or policy perspectives. The dissertation challenges this perceived banality, exploring the spatial and organizational logics behind the apparent normality of these estates.
Conclusion
Marc Brossa Balcells’ dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of the development of mass housing estates in Seoul and their role in South Korea’s modernization from 1962 to 2008. It underscores the interplay between political decisions, economic plans, and urban development, offering valuable insights into how mass housing has shaped the everyday lives of Seoul’s residents.
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