Introduction of Average Height Regulation for 6th District A9·A17 Block Buildings
A12 Block to Develop Eco-friendly and Mixed Commercial-Residential Complex
Enhanced Landscape Consultation, Floor Area Ratio Increased by 2% if Approved by Landscape Committee
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] In Songdo International City within the Incheon Free Economic Zone, a high-quality landscape that reflects the unique characteristics of the area is expected to be created, moving away from the existing uniform skyline.
On the 19th, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority announced that it has prepared and will implement landscape enhancement plans for three residential land blocks?Songdo 6 District A9, A17, and A12?that will be sold sequentially this year and next year.
As the value of landscapes becomes increasingly important and local residents' expectations for landscape improvement grow daily, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority has established a landscape planning strategy for Songdo 6 and 8 Districts. In February, it also visited Busan, Sejong, and Seongnam (Pangyo) in Gyeonggi Province for benchmarking to explore ways to enhance the landscape.
As a result, after thoroughly reviewing current regulations and various conditions, the Authority prepared a landscape improvement plan focusing on expanding flexibility in land use plans through changes in district unit plans and strengthening preliminary landscape consultations. This plan will be applied to the land parcels scheduled for sale by the Authority.
First, for the Songdo 6 District A9 and A17 blocks to be sold this year, a regulation on the average building height (110?130m), which did not exist in the district, was introduced, and the maximum building height was raised by 20 meters from the previous 110?130m to 130?150m.
This change is expected to allow buildings of various heights within the same complex, creating a varied skyline and securing visual corridors (open spaces for views), thereby forming a skyline that harmonizes with the waterfront areas.
Additionally, for the A12 block in the 6 District to be sold next year, considering its proximity to the artificial lake, a natural-friendly complex plan that blends well with the waterfront project?which connects the lakes and waterways of Songdo International City in a 'ㅁ' shape?and integrates commercial and residential facilities will be established. To this end, a renowned overseas design firm will participate to prepare a waterfront-compatible complex plan in advance before the land sale.
Preliminary landscape consultations utilizing the landscape planning strategy will also be strengthened. The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority plans to seek advice from landscape experts from the early design stages of buildings when selling land in the future, enhancing landscape reviews related to building height, layout, and facade to improve architectural design.
Moreover, the Authority has improved the floor area ratio incentive system, which had been ineffective, by allowing a 2% floor area ratio bonus if recognized by the landscape committee. This incentive encourages developers to pay more attention to urban landscapes.
Lee Wonjae, head of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, stated, "Since landscape is an important factor in urban competitiveness, we will continuously communicate and resolve issues to improve the landscape and develop the Incheon Free Economic Zone into a global city with a high-quality landscape."
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