korean co-living develops in brick-clad building by urban agency

urban agency reshapes korean neighborhood with jaegi project

International architecture firm Urban Agency collaborates with AJ Architecture in Jaegi, a co-living building complex located in the Jegidong 5th District at the heart of Seoul, Korea. This project emerged from a decade-long struggle with redevelopment plans. The area had become stagnant, disconnected from its community and local university. Recognizing the need for change, eight property owners came together under a unified vision to refresh their neighborhood. The design approach reflects the individuality of each plot and the collective will for revitalization. Urban Agency introduced coupled brick-clad facade buildings, reminiscent of traditional row-houses, where party walls divided plots yet maintained a shared architectural expression.

all images by Changmook Kim

co-living building complex houses 80 studio apartments

Each building features unique layouts, all offering shared facilities such as communal kitchens, living rooms, and roof gardens, fostering interaction and social activity. The collaborative effort resulted in over 80 studio apartments, largely rented by students. The project addresses housing needs, promoting social interaction through shared amenities and ground-floor programming. Featuring an array of venues, from galleries to bakeries, the street facade draws in both residents and visitors. Urban Agency’s design for the Jegidong 5th District pays attention to subtle details that contribute to its overall aesthetic. While the facade features a consistent use of brick, the differentiation between buildings is achieved through alternating colors. In this way, the architects maintain a cohesive look while allowing each building to stand out. Furthermore, the alternating rotation of roofs adds variation to the skyline and creates distinct outdoor terraces for residents to enjoy.

the project emerged from a decade-long struggle with redevelopment plans

eight property owners came together under a unified vision to revitalize their neighborhood

the facade features a consistent use of brick

the buildings offer shared facilities such as communal kitchens, living rooms, and roof gardens

Urban Agency introduced coupled brick-clad buildings, reminiscent of traditional row-houses

the architects pay attention to subtle details that contribute to the overall aesthetic

the project addresses housing needs, promoting social interaction through shared amenities

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the brick facade creates shadowplay in the interior

the collaborative effort resulted in over 80 studio apartments

the architects maintain a cohesive look while allowing each building to stand out

the area had become stagnant, disconnected from its community and neighboring university

project info:

name: Jaegi

location: Seoul, South Korea

architect: Urban Agency | @urban_agency_architects, AJ Architects

design team: Heechan Park, Henning Stüben, Minjae Kwon, Rosa Fuentes Fernandez, Scott Grbavac, Gaspar Cánepa, Narcisa Ionita, Doohyeong Lee, Ekhan Lee, Zoe Tzika, Anna Yancheva

photographer: Changmook Kim

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom