Joint Applicants : Yi Architects
Representative Architect : Eun Young Yi

The Dasa Community Center takes the origin of the place name 'Dasa' and its topographical characteristics as the starting point of its architectural design. Daegu is a representative basin-type city surrounded by mountains standing 1,000 meters high, stretching from north to south. Within it, Dasa-eup forms a unique 'basin within a basin' topography, encircled by mountains ranging from 200 to 300 meters. The name 'Dasa' is a transliteration of an ancient Silla word meaning 'a large waterside' or 'a large waterside hill.' True to its name, the spatiality of the 'basin' and the element of 'water' inherent in this land become the Genius Loci, deeply permeating the entire architecture.

This project modernly harmonizes the spatial composition of the ancient Greek 'Agora,' a quintessential prototype for meeting and communication, with 'Gyujanggak,' an exemplary prototype of traditional Korean library architecture. The lower levels, encompassing both the community center and the gymnasium, integrate firmly with the ground like a massive plinth, welcoming citizens into a colonnade space reminiscent of a Stoa. Surrounded by trees, the water feature at the entrance exudes a tranquil atmosphere, serving as a place of contemplation where residents can comfortably linger. The spatial sequence—beginning at the water space and ascending through multiple tiers to reach the center—captures the architectural order of Dodongseowon and the conceptual layout of the Gyujanggak precinct. At the pinnacle of this ascent sits the main mass of the library (the Monolith), serving as a landmark of lightness that appears to break free from the earth and take flight.

The Dasa Community Center and Multipurpose Gymnasium serve as an 'urban living room' where two independent spaces intertwine through a central courtyard, organically connecting vertically and horizontally, as well as indoors and outdoors. By abstracting the Bangji (traditional square pond) of Gyujanggak, the openness of the Agora, and the profound depth of Dodongseowon into the architectural language of our time, we hope this space will embrace the daily lives of Dasa-eup’s residents—who hold explosive potential—and become a steadfast focal point that radiates the aura of a new era.

1. #Cultural Complex Garden
2. #Open Reading Space
3. #Education
4. #Library
5. #Competition
6. #Community Center