Exploring strategies to transform low-use urban spaces into community spaces in Goyang Special City
The Space Utilization Research Group, a research group of Goyang City Council members, held an interim report on ‘Research on community spatialization of low-use urban space in Goyang City Council’ in the video conference room on the 4th floor of Goyang City Council on November 4th. The briefing session on this day was held to prepare alternatives to the idle land problem facing Goyang City and discuss practical measures to regenerate underused spaces into spaces for the civic community.
At this briefing session, lawmakers from the Space Utilization Research Council, researchers from the Autonomous City Research Institute, and advisory committee members from the Research Council attended and shared their opinions on ways to utilize low-use urban space and policy implications. In addition, the research group reviewed space utilization plans suited to the characteristics of Goyang City and emphasized the need to set policy directions that reflect citizen opinions based on best domestic and international cases.
“Goyang City needs to transform low-use spaces into community spaces.”
Introducing the current status of low-use spaces scattered in Goyang City and an improvement model for effectively utilizing them, this study specifically targeted five major pilot areas, including the residential alleys in Hwajeon-dong, Baekam Park in Juyeop-dong, and the pedestrian road between complexes 4 and 6 in Tanhyeon-dong. A plan was presented to increase convenience for residents and encourage community activities.
The researchers went beyond simply reorganizing low-use spaces and proposed a plan to create ‘community-based spaces’ that local residents can directly participate in and autonomously manage and operate. Through similar cases in Japan and the UK, it was confirmed that a model in which residents independently manage public space is being successfully established, and they explained that they are devising a policy that can appropriately apply this to Goyang City.
In addition, the researchers emphasized that in order to effectively utilize low-use space, an integrated operating system is needed to systematically manage spaces scattered throughout the city. Currently, in Goyang City, various departments are individually managing low-use space, which is reducing efficiency and reducing residents’ safety. It was pointed out that there were difficulties in meeting the demands. Accordingly, he suggested that legal support should be provided along with integrated management, and explained that through this, the overall space utilization of Goyang City can be expected to be improved more efficiently and sustainably.
Main presentations presented at the seminar
At a seminar hosted by the Space Utilization Research Group after the interim report on this day, three experts presented as presenters and proposed specific policy directions for revitalizing low-use spaces in Goyang City. Dr. Lee Na-gyeom of Kangwon National University explained how to reorganize empty houses and idle sites into parks, community gardens, and commercial districts with resident participation, and mentioned the need for continuous support and long-term planning from local governments. Professor Lee Kang-yong of Semyung University then introduced a plan to increase efficiency by entrusting the management of low-use spaces in Goyang City to the private sector, and presented the Todang Cultural Platform as an example, saying, “By utilizing the expertise and resources of the private sector, low-use spaces can be used by residents.” “It can be transformed into a cultural and welfare space,” he said. The last presenter, Dongjae Kim, CEO of KJ Engineering, explained the legal requirements and administrative support measures for converting low-use spaces into sports facilities or resident convenience facilities. To achieve this, the city and local communities must work together to prepare policies that reflect public interests. He added that it is important.
Expected revitalization of public space for civic communities
After the mid-term report and seminar were officially concluded on this day, Assemblyman Choi Seong-won (Chairman of the Space Utilization Research Association) expressed his thoughts by expressing the council’s will to utilize underused space in Goyang City. Rep. Choi Seong-won said, “The issue of underused space goes beyond simply recycling neglected space, and is an important task to improve the quality of life of citizens and strengthen the solidarity of the local community.” “We will prepare a policy,” he said. The contents discussed at this interim report and seminar will be used as important basic data in establishing sustainable space utilization policies for Goyang City in the future.
The Space Utilization Research Group is a research group of lawmakers formed to study the direction and strategy of utilizing low-use space in Goyang Special City. Its members include Chairman Choi Seong-won, Vice-President Choi Gyu-jin, Kim Mi-soo, Lee Hae-rim, and Shin Hyeon-cheol, and are carrying out various activities.
Economy Queen Reporter Park So-gi Photo: Goyang Special City Council
Interview: Transforming Urban Spaces in Goyang City
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re delving into an exciting initiative happening in Goyang City, where efforts are underway to transform low-use urban spaces into vibrant community hubs. Joining us is Dr. Lee Na-gyeom from Kangwon National University, who has been working closely with the Goyang City Council’s Space Utilization Research Group. Thank you for being here, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee Na-gyeom: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic!
Editor: Goyang City has identified some low-use urban areas. Can you share what sparked this initiative and why it’s crucial for the city?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. Goyang City, like many urban areas, has pockets of underutilized spaces that could greatly benefit the community. The spark for this initiative came from recognizing that these spaces can serve as vital resources for fostering community interactions, creativity, and well-being. Repurposing them can enhance the quality of life for residents while also addressing issues like safety and urban decay.
Editor: That makes sense. In your recent interim report, you mentioned focusing on five pilot areas. What specific strategies are you looking at for these locations?
Dr. Lee: We are looking at transforming places like the residential alleys in Hwajeon-dong and Baekam Park. Our strategies include input from residents, so they can participate in managing and operating these spaces. We propose transforming empty structures into parks and community gardens and creating cultural districts that reflect the community’s needs and values.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of community participation. Why is this element critical to the success of these projects?
Dr. Lee: Community involvement is essential because it ensures that the spaces are designed and managed according to local needs and preferences. When residents are part of the transition, it fosters a sense of ownership and pride, encouraging them to actively participate in maintaining and utilizing these areas. The research shows that successful models in countries like Japan and the UK have highlighted the benefits of resident-led management.
Editor: That’s inspiring! During the seminar, you also talked about the need for an integrated operating system for managing these spaces. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Lee: Certainly. Currently, different departments in Goyang are handling low-use spaces separately, leading to inefficiencies. We propose a more unified approach where resources and information sharing is prioritized. This would enhance coordination efforts, making it easier to meet community demands and ensure safer environments. Moreover, we see the necessity for legal support to create sustainable, integrated management processes.
Editor: It sounds like a well-rounded approach. You mentioned the Todang Cultural Platform as an example of private sector involvement. How can this model be applied to Goyang?
Dr. Lee: The Todang Cultural Platform showcases how the private sector can play an instrumental role in revitalizing public spaces. By pooling expertise and resources, private companies can help transform low-use spaces into cultural and welfare zones. In Goyang, we aim to engage local businesses and residents through partnerships, ensuring that these spaces are not only utilized but also cherished by the community.
Editor: As these initiatives progress, what do you see as the biggest challenges ahead for Goyang City?
Dr. Lee: One of the biggest challenges is overcoming the initial inertia to change and address concerns from residents who may be hesitant about transforming their neighborhoods. Additionally, securing continuous funding and support from local government will be crucial for long-term success. However, we are optimistic that with the right strategies and community engagement, we can navigate these challenges effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights on this transformative project. It’s refreshing to see such proactive efforts to enhance community spaces, and we look forward to seeing the positive outcomes in Goyang City.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our work! It’s an exciting time for Goyang, and I hope this inspires other cities to look at their own low-use spaces with fresh eyes.
Editor: Absolutely! We hope to keep our readers updated on the progress of these initiatives. Thank you again.
Dr. Lee: My pleasure!