Songdo International Business District

Songdo IBD
—  송도국제업무단지  —
Masterplan of Songdo IBD
Country South Korea
Time zone South Korea Time (UTC+9)
Website Songdo IBD

Songdo International Business District (SIBD) is a planned international CBD planned to be built from scratch currently under construction on 1,500 acres (6 km²) of reclaimed land along Incheon's waterfront, 40 miles (65 km) west of Seoul, South Korea and connected to Incheon International Airport by a 7.4 mile (12.3 km) reinforced concrete highway bridge, called Incheon Bridge. Along with Yeongjong and Cheongna, it is part of the Incheon Free Economic Zone.

The Songdo International Business District will feature the Northeast Asia Trade Tower and the Incheon Tower. Schools, hospitals, apartments, office buildings and cultural amenities are to be built in the district. Replicas of architectural hallmarks, including New York City's Central Park and Venice's waterways, will also be incorporated. This 10-year development project is estimated to cost in excess of $40 billion, making it one of the most expensive development projects ever undertaken.

Gale International, in partnership with Morgan Stanley Real Estate, holds a 70% stake in the Songdo IBD venture, with Gale International taking a majority stake of 61%, and Morgan Stanley, which invested US$350 million in the project, holding 9%. The remaining 30% stake is held by Posco.[1] The masterplan was designed by the New York office of Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). Infrastructure development, labor, and funding are also being provided by the city of Incheon.

A small number of Japanese residents have sought to live in Songdo IBD after the Tohoku earthquake.[2]

Contents

Development

Built on 1,500 acres (6.1 km2) of land reclaimed from the Yellow Sea off Incheon, about 35 miles (56 km) from the South's capital Seoul, Songdo International Business District is the largest private real estate development in history. By its completion date in 2015, the district is planned to contain 80,000 apartments, 50,000,000 square feet (4,600,000 m2) of office space and 10,000,000 square feet (930,000 m2) of retail space.[3] The 65-floor Northeast Asia Trade Tower will be Korea's second tallest building when complete after the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang. Computers will be built into the houses, streets and offices as part of a wide area network.[4]

The Songdo IBD is part of President Lee Myung-bak's effort to promote green and low-carbon growth as an avenue for future development after 60 years of reliance on export-oriented manufacturing. The nation launched a $38 billion economic stimulus package in January 2009, with over 80% of the total earmarked for green investment. The Framework Act for Low Carbon Green Growth, passed by Korea's National Assembly in 2010, increased this to $83.6 billion spanning five years. Under this initiative, the Songdo IBD is being developed as a sustainable city with more than 40% of its area reserved for green space, including the park of 100 acres (0.40 km2), 16 miles (26 km) of bicycling lanes, numerous charging stations for electric vehicles and a waste collection system that eliminates the need for trash trucks.[5] Also, it is the first city in the world to have all of its major buildings in par or beyond LEED's requirements.

Open for Business in 2009

Northeast Asia, anchored by Japan, China, and Korea, is home to three of the largest economies in the world, all with dynamic business environments. Throughout history, geographic convenience led to international business being transacted primarily through Southern Asia within relatively close proximity to the hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore. The explosion of economic and business growth experienced by Northeast Asia in the last decade has led to the need for another, northern Asian hub.

Songdo International Business District (IBD) officially opened on August 7, 2009 as a designated Free Economic Zone and the first new sustainable city in the world designed to be an international business district. With its strategic location just 15 minutes driving time from Incheon International Airport and 3 ½ hours flying time to 1/3 of the world's population and regional markets such as China, Russia and Japan, Songdo IBD will position South Korea as the commercial epicenter of Northeast Asia.

Songdo IBD is an international city that offers every conceivable amenity, attracting multinational and domestic corporations to this new location. These include all the advantages of a master planned environment with 600 acres of open space and parks, an advanced technology infrastructure, the architecturally-stunning Convensia Convention Center, fine hotels, international schools, museums, a luxury retail mall, and the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. By employing the best practices of urban planning and sustainable design, Songdo IBD offers residents, workers and visitors an unparalleled quality of life.[6]

One Of The Worlds Greenest Cities

Six core design goals for Songdo International Business District reflect our commitment to sustainability for this new city spanning 1500 acres near Incheon, South Korea.

These design goals are ambitious targets. But setting them - and meeting them - will set a new standard for green design for large-scale development projects across the globe.

Songdo IBD parcels target certification under the LEED-NC and/or LEED-CS rating system. Third party development land sale agreements will contain language mandating that buildings erected must pursue LEED Certification.

Songdo IBD is also part of the LEED-ND (Neighborhood Development) Pilot Program. The LEED-ND program emphasizes neighborhood connectivity, access to transit, energy efficiency in building design, efficient infrastructure design and the provision of open space and habitat for residents of all kinds. It builds upon the principles of New Urbanism and aims to promote the incorporation of positive planning aspects into local and municipal zoning codes focused on Smart Growth, Transit Oriented Development and Green Growth.

Songdo IBD will encourage and foster sustainable design practices by incorporating the latest design standards and technologies that reduce energy consumption, increase energy efficiency, utilize recycled and natural materials and generate clean or renewable electricity.[7]

Highlights of the Songdo IBD Master Plan

Songdo IBD is also distinguished by setting a new standard in sustainability including building design, systems engineering, urban infrastructure and community planning.

Songdo IBD's leadership in sustainable development will be key quality-of-life attributes for both corporations and residents. The city will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified district in Korea and the largest project outside North America to be included in the LEED ND (Neighborhood Development) Pilot Program.

With more than US $10 billion invested and approximately 100 buildings completed or currently under construction, it is expected that Songdo IBD will quickly become the central business hub in Northeast Asia.

Life Style

No detail has been overlooked in creating Songdo IBD's premier multi-use living and working environment. From a state-of-the-art international school to luxury apartments to prime office space, there is no place on earth like Songdo IBD.

Songdo IBD will offer an unparalleled quality of life comprising every conceivable cultural, technological and recreational amenity including a world-class hospital, an international preparatory school, a museum, an ecotarium, a 100-acre Central Park, the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, and myriad retail options including a stunning mall. The residents of Songdo IBD also will lay claim to living in one of the greenest metropolises in the world. The schools of Songdo IBD will create the leaders of tomorrow. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through high school, the schools of Songdo IBD will prepare students for entry into leading colleges and universities around the world.

Residents and guests can enjoy a challenging 18 holes of golf on a beautiful course designed by none other than golf legend Jack Nicklaus at the only golf course named for the Golden Bear himself.

Within its environs, the city will offer many green transportation alternatives including miles of dedicated bike and walking paths.

Indeed, this 100-million square foot, master-planned metropolis is a model of sustainable development and innovation that will be 40 percent green space. Songdo IBD's leadership in sustainable development is a key quality-of-life attribute for both corporations and residents. Songdo IBD will boast a system of pocket parks (based on the design of Savannah, Georgia), canals (like Venice), and a large Central Park (like New York).[9]

Working

Inherent to Songdo IBD's design is a commercial hub -the world's newest and finest destination for multinational corporations. With easy access to Incheon International Airport and Free Economic Zone status, Songdo IBD promises to be a very attractive location for any business seeking a location in Northeast Asia.

Songdo IBD will boast up to 4,645,000 SM of exciting commercial projects, many of which are available for joint venture, lease, or build to suit opportunities.

This class A office space and a series of designed office towers are attracting interest from corporations around the globe. The majority of the buildings will conform to the LEED rating system, which will undoubtedly appeal to a broad range of environmental-conscious companies.

With a focus on job creation, incentives for international firms and a strong commitment to sustaining and building Korea's reputation as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, the vision of Songdo IBD is to create new horizons.

The people of Korea and their international partners are creating the new gateway to Northeast Asia, a city designed around the people who live and work there. The forward-thinking individuals and companies who make Songdo IBD their home will experience an unparalleled quality of life as technology, resources, and innovation come together to create a world class international community.[10]

Living

Songdo IBD is designed as a vital urban center where the widest range of activities will take place. It is self-sufficient by design while also offering a unique, modern lifestyle that will attract both international and local inhabitants. Residents have the option to choose from a variety of housing options - from charming garden residences to state-of-the-art high-rise apartments.

Residents of Songdo IBD will have a wide range of activities available within walking distance. Regardless of where they may live, residents will have convenient access to schools, healthcare facilities, cultural activities, and athletic venues. They can shop in department stores and stroll through markets. Children will be educated in local public schools or in international curriculum academies.

Songdo IBD will support the comfort and well-being of residents by incorporating environmental sustainability, conservation, and the highest level of technology into all aspects of daily life.

The city has been designed as one of the world's finest continually-evolving urban environments.

More than 22,500 new housing units will be created. These prime residential condominiums are currently under construction and residents have already moved into the first towers.[11]

Shopping

Songdo IBD will offer a variety of shopping options including high end department stores and boutiques for the discerning shopping as well as popular stores which carry the latest trends.

Residents can shop in an opulent retail mall or stroll through picturesque local markets.

The retail options in Songdo IBD will provide a unique shopping experience full of surprises. An eclectic and intriguing mix of fashion, fun, and entertainment will be at the front door of every resident and nowhere else in Korea can one find such an oasis of shopping. These stores, boutiques, markets and shops will not only cater to the needs of Songdo IBD's residents, but to visitors from around the world.

With shopping opportunities including a mall designed by world renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind and developed by US shopping center owner and developer, Taubman Centers, Lotte Shopping Town and other commercial areas will give Songdo IBD one of the best shopping experiences in the world.

Songdo IBD will also include mixed-use residential projects with significant retail opportunities. The # First World, the first residential project to be realized in Songdo IBD, will feature apartments, retail and a health club. Other mixed-use residential projects include Central Park I (729 units, ground level retail), Central Park II (632 units, ground level retail) and Canal Walk (445 officetel units).[12]

Aeropolis

Songdo International Business District is a compelling aerotropolis strategically located just over 7 miles from Incheon International Airport. The Incheon International Airport is consecutively rated one of the top in the world in number of passengers, customer satisfaction, and freight volume since its opening in 2001. Just a 15-minute drive across the new Incheon Grand Bridge, the Incheon International Airport is a gateway to more than 1/3 of the world's population in just 3 ½ hours flying time, making Songdo IBD a convenient business hub for all of Northeast Asia. The airport will also be accessible from Songdo via subway and bus service.

The new Incheon International Airport serves as the main hub for Korean Air, Asiana Airlines and Polar Air Cargo. Incheon International Airport is also currently Asia's eighth busiest airport in terms of passengers, the world's fifth busiest airport in terms of cargo and freight, and the world's eleventh busiest airport in terms of international passengers in 2006. In 2009 the airport was rated the best in the world by Skytrax, receiving a full 5-star ranking.[13]

Projects

Reception

In 2003, Birds Korea called for a halt of the reclamation project due to concerns at the loss of important tidal flats. Prior to reclamation, the Song Do tidal flats had supported several threatened waterbird species, and provided a staging ground for migratory waders as they traveled between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. [14]

References

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