The Importance of Diverse Housing Experiences: The Demise of Daegu's 'Garden Terrace'

'Garden Terrace' is more than just an apartment building. Designed by the late architect Seok-Cheol Kim, this unique space has fostered a small community in Daegu, offering residents a distinctive living experience akin to a single-family home for 40 years. Kim, renowned for his work on the Daegu Art Center, envisioned residential spaces that embraced nature within the urban environment. He dreamed of homes with gardens even in the city center, and realized this vision in the form of Garden Terrace. This documentary captures the final moments of this special space before its demolition, exploring the significance of spatial diversity for people and cities.

The documentary 'Garden Terrace' focuses on Seok-Cheol Kim's residential experiment and the stories of the people who have lived in this space. In today's world, where 70% of urban residents live in similar apartment buildings, 'Garden Terrace' stands out as a unique example. Residents here have enjoyed a lifestyle intertwined with nature, thanks to spacious terraces and gardens, achieving a level of living normally associated with detached houses within an apartment setting. Picking fresh lettuce and spinach from their gardens for breakfast, enjoying the visits of sparrows and magpies, and sipping coffee in their private gardens are familiar sights for residents here.

In particular, the documentary highlights the communal value of 'Garden Terrace.' The shared experiences of 19 households using a single elevator, the bonds forged through children playing inline skates in the hallways, and the simple act of buying bread together at the nearby shops – the apartment transcended its role as a mere residential space to become a place where residents cultivated strong bonds. These communal experiences are vital aspects of life that are increasingly disappearing in modern urban environments.

The news of Garden Terrace's demolition has brought sadness to many. Residents find it difficult to accept the reality of leaving a place filled with precious memories. This apartment building was more than just a place to live; it was a part of their lives, a repository of cherished memories. Through their stories, the documentary delves into the meaning of space for individuals and explores the necessity of diverse housing environments.

Beyond merely documenting the history and demolition of a structure, this documentary poses the question of what kind of living environments we should strive for in the future. Seok-Cheol Kim sought to create spaces that allowed people to experience nature within the city, a theme that remains critically important in contemporary architecture. Garden Terrace was an innovative endeavor in its time and continues to inspire architects today.

The documentary's director has captured the essence of Seok-Cheol Kim's architectural philosophy and the values he championed, interwoven with the vivid accounts of the residents who called this place home. 'Garden Terrace' carries a meaning far beyond that of a mere residential space, offering a compelling portrayal of how a small urban community was formed and sustained. This documentary isn't just about the impending demolition of an apartment building; it's a powerful reminder of the profound significance of spatial diversity in our lives.

In today's world, where urbanization has led to the standardization of many living spaces, Garden Terrace serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable nature of diverse housing experiences. The documentary evokes a sense of nostalgia for what we have lost and prompts us to reflect deeply on the kind of residential environments we should create in the future. Seok-Cheol Kim's legacy extends beyond the physical structure itself; his residential philosophy and communal spirit continue to resonate profoundly with many.

This documentary, a chronicle of a small urban community and an exploration of residential diversity, presents us with vital questions. What kind of living environment do we aspire to? What meaning should our living spaces hold? 'Garden Terrace' offers a potential answer to these questions and guides us towards a more desirable future.