header

Landscape Architecture students win Grand Prize at the 21st National Exhibition of Korean Landscape Architecture

A team of three Kyung Hee undergraduate students from the Department of Landscape Architecture have won the Grand Prize at the 21^st National Exhibition of Korean Landscape Architecture. Students Jae-young Song, Hyun-ji Kang, and Si-yeon Park, who began their studies in 2021, earned recognition for their project titled Dam Removal Effect. Their work focused on dismantling Yeongju Dam to restore the local ecosystem while creating a landscape that thoughtfully connects history and nature. The team’s innovative approach, which addressed environmental issues and repurposed dam remnants for ecological restoration, received high praise from the judges.

The project began to take shape after the team stumbled upon a news report about environmental issues. The construction of Yeongju Dam had triggered harmful algal blooms, disrupting the once-pristine waters and diverse ecosystem of the area. Before the dam was built, the site was known for its clear waters and rich biodiversity. However, the dam’s construction put local villages under water and caused substantial environmental changes, impacting both the natural habitat and the lives of nearby residents.

Despite the adverse effects, the dam had become a prominent regional landmark, making its demolition a sensitive issue. To justify their proposal, the team emphasized the social necessity of dismantling the dam and reimagined the space as a community-centered attraction. Their design envisioned a restored ecosystem complemented by a park utilizing the dam’s remnants, highlighting a sustainable and inclusive future for the site.

The team also considered the broader implications of dam removal, focusing on minimizing disruption to both upstream and downstream ecosystems. “Our goal was to go beyond aesthetics by integrating practical measures,” Student Song explained. “We explored civil engineering and ecology, examined relevant studies, and worked closely with our advisor to apply viable approaches such as soil restoration.”

The team credited their success to the comprehensive curriculum at the Department of Landscape Architecture. The students practiced their skills through courses such as Site Analysis, which taught them to develop a logical structure for their projects, and Landscape Engineering and Site Planning and Design, which offered practical, hands-on training. The Capstone Design course, dedicated to graduation projects, provided detailed guidance from topic selection to final output.

Reflecting on their achievements, the students shared their aspirations. Student Song expressed, “I developed an interest in designing spaces with a macro perspective to solve specific site challenges, and I hope to grow as a landscape planner.” Student Kang said, “I want to approach ecological issues scientifically, solve problems, and breathe new purpose into neglected spaces to contribute to community revitalization.” Student Park added, “I plan to study the dual impacts of natural disasters on both humans and ecosystems and, through that, design spaces where people and nature can coexist in harmony.”