[2023 Asia Construction Awards] POSCO E&C, First Sale in Gwangju After Brand Renewal... Challenge Toward Space

POSCO E&C received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in the design category at this year's Asia Construction Awards for 'The Sharp Gwangju Forest.'

Located at 876-6 Munheung-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, The Sharp Gwangju Forest consists of seven buildings ranging from three basement floors to a maximum of 39 above-ground floors, comprising 907 apartments (exclusive area 84~131㎡) and 84 officetel units (exclusive area 59㎡). As the first project launched in Gwangju after the brand renewal, it attracted attention by applying the smart home service AiQ TECH to the officetel units as well.

The complex features a 4-bay slab-type layout primarily facing south, ensuring excellent natural lighting and cross ventilation. The community facilities are divided into Sports Zone, Public Zone, and Edu Zone. The Sports Zone includes fitness centers, table tennis rooms, and screen golf facilities; the Public Zone offers kids' rooms and coin laundry; and the Edu Zone provides reading rooms and a children's library. Outside the complex, Solomon Park?the third law-themed park in Korea following Busan and Daejeon?is nearby, and along with a large park, the Democracy and Human Rights Memorial Park is under development, allowing residents to enjoy ample green spaces.

'The Sharp Gwangju Forest' exterior / Photo by POSCO E&C

POSCO E&C explained that the design of this complex highlights The Sharp's brand identity (BI) by utilizing the brand's signature blue color along with various primary and secondary colors, while creating a calm and warm atmosphere separated from the urban environment. The exterior side walls express the complex's identity through applied facade patterns.

Notably, the enveloping (ㄷ-shaped) frame that enhances the volume of the main buildings stands out. The gray-toned urban primary color emphasizes vertical surface divisions. A vertical pattern is implemented through simple forms and color contrasts, applying a pattern with vertical and horizontal variations based on vertical surface divisions. The podium uses gray-toned stone to complete an urban and sophisticated design.

Depending on the character of each building, the side walls of the accent buildings were differentiated to provide symbolic significance within the complex. Three-dimensional patterns created by protruding structural frames are eye-catching. The brand's unique joint pattern was also incorporated. Accent colors were applied across the entire side wall to create a distinctive facade. Different tones of accent colors add variation to the facade and generate movement.

A POSCO E&C official stated, "We plan to further develop The Sharp's residential environment to realize a green life and add value to the world through challenges toward space." Earlier, ahead of its 30th anniversary next year, POSCO E&C established a new vision as an innovative company challenging the limits of its industry to build an eco-friendly future society, reflecting its commitment to becoming a leading company in eco-friendly future growth.