DISCOVERING ECO DELTA CITY: SUSTAINABLE URBANISM IN BUSAN
Hello urban explorers! In this post, I'd like to tell you about one of the most ambitious urban projects currently under development in South Korea. It's the Eco Delta City (EDC) megaproject located in the Gangseo-Gu region, west of Busan in South Korea.
Despite the construction restrictions imposed by Gimhae International Airport, in 2010, the South Korean government proposed the exciting urban regeneration project Eco-Delta City (EDC) around the Nakdong River delta. This developing Smart City aims to create an area of 11.77 km² with residential, commercial, logistical, and research zones, accommodating approximately 30,000 families. However, the construction of a central zone called the National Pilot Smart City, which plans to host around 3,380 families, was prioritized.
EDC CONSTRUCTION PHASES
EDC is an ambitious project aiming to transform a coastal city in Busan into a sustainable and smart city. Since its conception in 2012, the project has gone through several construction phases and involved many stakeholders.
First generation of EDC
The Busan city government, in collaboration with urban planning experts and architects, formulated the first urban development plan for the Eco-city in February 2012. Key stakeholders throughout the project include the Busan city government (BMC), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MLIT), and the National K-Water Institute, which was responsible for managing and designing waterfronts..jpg "eco delta city, project")
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Second generation of EDC
From 2013 to 2016, the focus was on developing key infrastructure that would completely transform the city. Emphasis was placed on developing crucial infrastructure such as sustainable transportation systems, eco-friendly buildings, waste management facilities, the integration of renewable energies, and land reclamation in Myeongji-dong, Gangdong-dong, and Daejeo 2-dong. However, it wasn't until 2018 that the National Pilot Smart City area was designated, along with the master plan for the smart city.
During this period, advanced technologies and smart solutions were incorporated into urban infrastructure to enhance efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability, thanks to the support of ICT, ITS, and IoT. Awareness campaigns and initiatives were also launched to encourage residents and businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction, water conservation, and more sustainable consumption.
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Third generation of EDC
From 2021 to the present, only the construction of the Living Lab known as Smart Village has been completed. Why has the project been delayed until now? Well, there are several factors. These include obtaining approvals from multiple stakeholders, the massive investment required to carry out the entire project, careful planning, testing, and the integration of advanced technologies, construction issues, supply chain challenges, as well as environmental and sustainability considerations to meet international standards and community demands.
EDC's current challenge for South Korea is to expand the concept of a smart city beyond infrastructure for the first time. For the South Korean government, this represents new and exciting territory, as they have always had full control over the city model until now, with businesses playing a supportive role. South Korea has been known for its Smart Cities based on intelligent infrastructure, but expanding the current concept of its cities involves sharing control with other actors, such as the private sector and citizens. However, this transition is not easy, as the government faces the challenge of managing such a complex and dynamic concept.
EDC PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable metrics used to assess the performance and progress of a project. In the case of the Busan Eco Delta Smart City project, several KPIs can be used to evaluate its success in achieving its objectives. Here are some potential indicators for EDC:
Energy Efficiency: Percentage reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional urban areas, increased use of renewable energy sources within the city, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
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| Solar panel pathway between houses |
Smart Transportation: Percentage increase in the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking, reduction in traffic congestion and average travel time, availability and use of smart transportation technologies, such as intelligent traffic management systems, real-time public transportation information, and smart parking solutions.
Digital Connectivity and ICT Infrastructure: Percentage increase in the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking, reduction in traffic congestion and average travel time, and the availability and use of smart transportation technologies.
Environmental Sustainability: Increase in green spaces, parks, and urban forests, improvement in air and water quality indicators, and a percentage increase in waste recycling rates and waste reduction in landfills.
Citizen Engagement and Satisfaction: Participation rates in community activities, surveys and consultations, citizen satisfaction with the quality of life, infrastructure, and services in the smart city, and the perception of safety within the city.
Economic Development and Innovation: Attraction of investments and business opportunities in the smart city, growth in the number of new companies, innovation centers, and research institutions, and an increase in job creation and economic indicators, such as GDP contribution and employment rates.
Resilience and Disaster Management: Preparedness and response to natural disasters and emergencies, implementation of early warning smart systems, disaster monitoring and management, and recovery time and effectiveness of measures after a disaster event.
Social Inclusion and Equity: Measures to ensure accessibility and inclusion for all residents, including people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, reducing the digital divide, providing digital literacy programs, and promoting social cohesion, cultural diversity, and community empowerment.
LAND USE IN EDC
One of the most interesting aspects of EDC, setting it apart from other national and global projects, is its land use distribution. In EDC, the distribution was done in such a way that the distance from any point in the city is less than 20 minutes. This means that the distance from the business center to the residential area would take less than 20 minutes, while the distance from any point to a natural space would be around 5 minutes.
To achieve this, the zones were distributed using the nodes of the Nakdong, Suyeon, and Haeram rivers as the central axis, connecting them through pedestrian paths and ecological trails. As a result, the central part, along the central axis, was designated as commercial, business, and cultural areas, connected to residential areas to the north and south. Logistic and innovation ports will be strategically located at the southern and northern ends, near innovation hubs like the Jinhae Free Economic Zone in Myeongji-dong and Sasang Smart Valley in Daejeo 2-dong.
On the other hand, housing will be situated on the outer flanks of the rivers to the east and west, protected by riverfront parks. To comply with building height restrictions, apartment complexes will be near the commercial areas. Meanwhile, in the south, the Smart Village will be the only residential center due to its relationship with the innovation centers. The advantages of the site include not only its proximity to different waterfronts and aquatic landscapes but also its good accessibility. EDC is located near Gimhae International Airport, the Port of Busan, and Busan Train Station, and it is surrounded by traditional industrial clusters within the Busan metropolitan area.
In conclusion, Eco Delta City represents a groundbreaking vision for sustainable urban development, blending innovative design with cutting-edge living lab approaches to tackle the pressing challenges of modern urbanization. This project not only highlights the potential for creating eco-friendly cities but also serves as a model for integrating technology, community, and environmental stewardship. In future posts, I will delve deeper into the design principles, living lab methodologies, and the unique challenges faced by this ambitious project, offering further insights into how Eco Delta City is shaping the future of sustainable urbanism. Stay tuned for more discussions on this inspiring initiative!
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