masterplan for the expansion of the incheon free economic zone by foster + partners
all images courtesy foster + partners

foster + partners, together with PHA and mobility in chain, has won an international
competition to design the masterplan for the expansion of the incheon free economic
zone, an extensive mixed-use scheme encompassing the islands of kanghwa
and onjin-gun, to the north east of seoul. conceived as a self-sufficient, sustainable
development, the 300 square-kilometre masterplan will extend organically from
a central transportation spine, creating a centre for green industry and serving
a population that is expected to grow from 35,000 to 320,000 residents and commuters.

the scheme integrates a range of low to high-density mixed-use areas, connected by
a light rapid transit system and construction will be phased over 10 to 15 years.
the area spans three main sites within the free trade zone – the north of kanghwa will
be a centre of inter-korean economic cooperation, taking advantage of its strategic location
close to incheon airport and north korea, while the south of the island will be mixed-use,
combining green technology industry with community, cultural and residential buildings.



it is envisaged that incheon will become a national centre for sustainable industry;
manufacturing photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, and developing new products
and technology within a new research and development institute in the south of
kanghwa. state-of-the-art measures employed within the masterplan include biomass
energy generation, the use of hydrogen fuel cells and hydroponic roofs. onjin-gun
island will be transformed as a sustainable resort and the masterplan will eventually
connect south to north korea and the airport via the world’s longest bridge.

taking agriculture as a central theme, the design utilises existing elements such as
irrigation channels, green spaces and roads, while the arrangement of buildings within
the masterplan follows the natural topology of the site, incorporating green roofs to
further harmonise with the landscape. like the veins of a leaf, the smaller roads
and pedestrian avenues extend from the central transportation spine. the existing island
is predominately agricultural so terraced farming, utilising the roofs of the industrial
buildings, will replace any agriculture displaced by the development. there will be no
structure above 50 metres, so the scheme will not extend into the foothills or mountain,
thus preserving the rural landscape.




designboom together with incheon metropolitan city, korea are currently hosting
the 'green life' competition. the city is giving a major award for environmentally
friendly concepts, products and household items, all using alternative energy
and/or made of organic or recycled materials. accepted are also ideas for street furniture,
architecture and interior design, lighting devices, and effective 'green communication'
projects, such as promotional materials / advertisement. this is really a RICH
contest as designboom will be able to distribute a total amount of USD 41,000.