[The Future of Parks⑪] "Solving Publicness and Privacy Together Through Landscape Design"

Separating Public and Residential Paths Through Layered Plantings and Terrain Differences
Expansion of 'Smart Landscaping' Using IoT and Drones

"In complex urban environments, the challenge is to achieve a balance where public accessibility and residents' privacy coexist. The key is opening up green spaces within complexes through public access corridors. We propose approaches that serve as buffers rather than barriers, allowing these areas to complement one another."

Green spaces, which are scarce within urban environments, can also be created through redevelopment projects. These green areas, born out of collaboration between the public and private sectors, are accessible for all citizens to enjoy. The blend of administrative support from the public sector and the advanced technical expertise of the private sector is drawing increased attention to public green spaces.

Choi Yeongil, Landscape Manager at Hyundai Engineering & Construction, answers questions in an interview with The Asia Business Daily on the 27th at Hyundai Engineering & Construction headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Hyundai Engineering & Construction

Choi Yeongil, Landscape Manager at Hyundai Engineering & Construction, discussed recent trends in landscape design in an interview with The Asia Business Daily on the 27th, saying, "We aim to separate movement flow and adjust sightlines using natural differences in ground levels or layered plantings, enabling the dual functions of public access and privacy protection to operate organically."

He cited the Han River cover park as an example. Choi explained, "If you look at the cover park, it creates a green axis open toward the Han River, while a suitably wide green buffer and increased planting density are established in the surrounding areas by forming green mounds. Close to the residential areas, we design landscape spaces that provide private functions and views for residents. The overall concept is to offer highly verdant green spaces and pedestrian connectivity to the public, while at the same time ensuring residents enjoy a sense of security and a comfortable living environment."

The movement among construction companies to expand scientific landscape design is also elevating the public function of green spaces. Choi said, "With low-impact development (LID) design—capable of withstanding abnormal climate changes—becoming increasingly important, there is a growing trend to install basic infrastructure such as permeable pavements and infiltration-type stormwater retention facilities within complexes to capture and recycle rainwater. Introducing water play spaces, for instance, can help lower outdoor air temperatures during summer heatwaves caused by extreme weather events."

As a future-oriented green space technology likely to be adopted most rapidly in residential complexes within the next five to ten years, Choi pointed to smart landscape management systems that combine Internet of Things (IoT) environmental sensors and automatic irrigation technologies. He said, "With systems that utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drones, it is possible to monitor the health of trees and immediately implement necessary maintenance within a complex, supporting real-time responses to rapidly changing climate conditions. These technologies can also be applied to green spaces developed by both public and private sectors over the medium to long term."

Choi added, "Efforts to actively use recycled materials in landscape planting structures will also accelerate. Going beyond simply reusing aggregates or plastics, various new materials that reduce carbon emissions and enhance eco-friendliness will be adopted across a broader range of applications."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.