Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal | MEAN – Middle East Architecture Network

Better BlueprintsOctober 22, 2020

Firm: MEAN – Middle East Architecture Network

Principal Designer: Riyad Joucka

Design Team: Mengyi Fan, Oliver Thomas, Richard Papa

Principal Visualizer: Mengyi Fan + MEAN

Project’s Name: Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal

Completion Year: 2017

Client: Seoul Metropolitan Government

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Built up Area: 6800 Sq. Mt.

Website: https://www.m-e-a-n.design/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mean.design/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mean.network

Introduction

The Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal 여의나루선착장 is both a terminus and a beginning.

Its location anchors the terminal as both a visual bookend and destination to those traveling from the Yeounaru Subway Line or Yeongdeungpo-dong side of the river.

As such, it should be inviting, engaging and accessible from the park or water’s edge.

The form of our scheme is transparent, providing a gateway to the water and ease of use to those traveling by Ferry or boat. Its entry aligns with the park’s main promenade and without impedance, brings the visitors to the water’s edge adjacent to the main ticketing, retail and waiting facilities of the terminal.

Concept

The canopy provides both entry and shelter to those waiting for ferries. There is a direct visual connection with the water, ferries and terminal waiting areas so that visitors can meet, wait and traverse this space without worrying about “missing the boat”.

For visitors arriving to the terminal by ferry, the open centrally transparent form and circulation provides a visual connection to the park and to the subway line platform.

The canopy of the terminal draws its inspiration from traditional forms of Korean construction, shingling and roofing using a contemporary a performative form to achieve goals of openness, clarity and function. The canopy plays several functional roles across its span.

Starting as seating, becoming an enclosure, then an event platform; the canopy allows visitors many vantage points from which to observe the surrounding landscape far and near.

Materiality of the canopy, enclosure and pontoon has been chosen to suit an areas specific functionality.

This includes six types of canopy paneling, all with unique characteristics to support the canopy’s versatile surface functions.The canopy sits on a light-weight woven steel frame supporting modular panels.

The columns form arches in 2-directions, following the curving woven beams in a dimensional and formal harmony with the roof structure.

The marina facilities are designed in such a way to not impede the scenic views from the waters edge by placing larger boats directly behind the terminal, and smaller private and commercial boats to the sides of the terminal.

Tradition + Technology

Drawing inspiration from traditional Korean construction, the roofing system interprets one of the most symbolic Korean architectural elements into a contemporary language.

‘Giwa’ tiles are modular clay blocks made by master tile artisans, which pass on the secrets of the trade from one generation to the next.

The traditional ‘Giwa’ roof has stood the test of time due to its remarkable durability and its harmonious integration with nature, which makes it an endearing and welcoming form close to the Korean peoples’ hearts.

The examination of this tradition is apparent in our roofing system.

By using several types of modules for different functions, we are able to build a harmonious and functional roof-scape which goes beyond the performance of a traditional roof.

There are 6 different unique types along the roof are designed to perform particular functions:

Observatory Seating
Plaza Seating
Skylight Panel
Deck Panel
Tesla Solar Roof
Stepping Blocks

“It is our intent is that the water’s edge, the line between the park and terminal, becomes invisible; that all visitors of the park seamlessly take part in the unique waterside experience which will be Yeoui-Naru Ferry Terminal”