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S.T.E.A.M is a new live‐work, socio‐spatial model that is centered on advanced renewable energy technology and research. It is a model that addresses Suwon’s shifting demographics by integrating productive, residential, and leisure spaces of various densities within a system of catalytic zones and spines of decentralized energy production. We consider the Hwangu stream and the existing farm irrigation network as key components in the proposed site framework. Our strategy utilizes these spines of infrastructure to transform the site into an energy intensive zone that delineates linear zones for new neighborhoods and land conservation. A superspine containing the public S.T.E.A.M transit stations serves as the central spine that moves energy through the renewable energy grid and water reclamation utilities. Operating within a flexible, time‐based framework, these spines of alternative energy have the potential to transform Suwon into a destination for South Korea’s shifting demographics by appealing to their unique cultural desires. S.T.E.A.M is a model that could be replicated throughout the Hwangu corridor, generating research‐driven communities that are leaders in ecological and renewable energy advancement as well as culturally rich neighborhoods that capture global attraction and investment.

Currently, South Korea relies almost entirely on exported fossil fuel energy, a reality the government has vowed to change by 2035 through various subsidies and incentives. Given Suwon’s favorable geological conditions, we propose using the site as a test‐bed for geothermal energy production and research. The geothermal network is expressed as a gradient of microclimates spread along the super‐spine as the system captures hot water on its way to the reinjection well. These microclimates fuel various functions from thermal baths, greenhouse heating, and aquaculture. More importantly, the microclimates are assets that respond to the increase in South Korea’s immigrant population, reflecting specific uses of water in different cultures. Development will start along key spines in Tap Dong and Gosaek Dong with energy, water, and ecological research buildings as catalysts. Initial investment is expected from companies that create infrastructure as part of their operational process, such as K‐Water, headquartered on the site. Further spine development will start in important nodes with focus on research and manufacturing investment to transform Suwon into a test bed for renewable energy. A later, infill strategy will allow for higher densities towards the two existing neighborhoods, and for conservation of farmland and natural parks towards the in between areas.

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energy dependence + shifting demographics




suwon. existing spines

 


existing water infrastructure

 

proposed strips of variable densities.

 


investment spatial matrix.


Given Suwon’s favorable geological conditions and existing governmental subsidies and incentives, we propose using the site as a test‐bed for geothermal energy production and research. The geothermal network is conceptualized as a gradient of microclimates spread along the super‐spine, utilizing a system that captures hot water on its way to the reinjection well to fuel productive and leisure functions. With K‐Water headquartered on a site saturated in water, we propose to recycle and redirect water from existing site uses, to create a unique waterscape that will drive new energy production opportunities and create unique recreational uses of water. The existing infrastructure, along with a new water recycling system and the proposed geothermal system will create further opportunities for the generation of renewable energy, such as piezoelectricity, micro hydropower, solar, kalian conversion of excess heat from manufacturing, or server farming. Enough electricity, heating, and clean water will be generated to power a clean energy public transportation system as well as to serve adjacent neighborhoods.

Using the northern spines as a test case, the flexibility of the system is showcased through three, time‐ based scenarios that illustrate possible alternative development futures. The first scenario proposes an expansion of social research with complimentary cultural and educational programs, where an influx of visitors will support expansion of commercial activities. The second scenario imagines a population surge that allows for increased housing densification within the strips as farmland is phased out. The third scenario is predicated on the assumption that the production value of the farmland can be increased to a point that development no longer makes sense and agriculture becomes the most viable program for the site.We argue that these spines of development with their strategic framework that operates within a flexible, time‐based strategy, is a pattern of development that we see could be implemented throughout the Hwangu corridor and truly transform Suwon into a unique model for Korea’s changing demographics driven by research; a leader in ecological and renewable energy advancement; and offering a unique lifestyle that fuels tourism and investment.

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geothermal gradient

 

 


renewable energy grid


 


water reclamation

 


spine 13

 

 

 


 

 


plan

 

spines as landform

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spine building guidelines

 


southern spines

 

northern spines

 

southern spines

 


central spines

 


northern spines

 


spines as public space

 

plans

 


regional strategy


view context video

view energy spines video

Spines of Thermal Energy and Alternative Methods

Global Studio
Suwon, South Korea. 2015
Graduate Work, Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, New York. NY

Awarded Lucille Smyser Lowenfish Memorial Prize

Team: Jenny Cadena, Preetal Shah, Amy Shell, M. Razvan Voroneanu

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© M. Razvan Voroneanu. 2014