Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

This study is conducted to understand the social value of Nakwon building, which has been instilled in the architecture of the building, through an analysis of formative elements unique to the center. The architectural characteristics of Nakwon building have been formed over a long period of time in relation with its surroundings and social change. Before looking into the formation of the center, this study investigates the street network planning of downtown. The street network was planned to expand in a north-south direction in order to accommodate a future increase of traffic volume as a result of industrialization and a population increase in downtown. This was manifested in expanding Samilro Street which passes through the lower part of Nakwon building, as well as in forming the architecture of the center. That is, the center has formed a symbiotic relationship with its surrounding areas, sharing space with them. The interior of the center seems to have an independent form while keeping a relationship with its external format, but it is seeking change internally in response to external change. Interior space has been departmentalized over time since its initial establishment, and the internal traffic has also been subdivided accordingly. This is attributable to the fact that social change in the neighboring areas affected the formation of Nakwon building, and that in turn contributed to forming the unique characteristics of the building. Nakwon building is one of the deteriorated buildings in downtown Seoul. However, it was built out of social need to share space within the city, and it has been changed according to social need for the 'distribution of space within the building.