Reimagining urban spaces: The role of makerspaces in regenerating ‘Maker City Sewoon’

Abstract

This study investigates the regeneration project of Sewoon Plaza, a historic hub of urban manufacturing in Seoul, South Korea, as a Maker City. Based on its existing manufacturing and distribution base and location in the city center, the plaza aims to be a Maker City that supports urban manufacturing, innovation, creation, and entrepreneurship. This study examines whether the four makerspaces are adequately positioned to spearhead urban regeneration, with a particular emphasis on the comprehensiveness of these makerspaces. Furthermore, it proposes policy implications for both makerspaces and urban regeneration within the Korean context. The study analyzed the management of the four makerspaces across seven components, including spaces and locations, tools and equipment, people involved, activities and programs, communities and networks, finances and business, and goals and initiatives. To conduct the research, a literature review, in-depth interviews, and fieldwork were employed. This study concluded that the makerspace was unable to effectively achieve the revitalization of the declining downtown manufacturing area. This research holds significance in its unique focus on analyzing Korea's inaugural mixed-use building through the lens of urban regeneration, diverging from a conventional architectural viewpoint. Additionally, the study delves into the examination of a prototypical maker city in Korea.