Upcycled glass design applied to resting facilities: pavilion in Ttukseom Han River Park

The UN Environment Programme’s Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, published in March 2024, highlighted the significant environmental impacts of material production and consumption in various industries. The construction industry, in particular, was identified as the third most polluting industry, contributing heavily to environmental degradation. As the call for sustainable practices grows, it becomes imperative for all industries, including construction, to minimize resource wastage. Reusing existing resources and implementing reusable solutions in architecture are crucial strategies for reducing our environmental footprint. In response to these environmental concerns, a project has been proposed to design a pavilion that addresses current urban issues, specifically the lack of outdoor resting facilities along the banks of the Han River. Given the river’s importance in Korean daily life and tourism, there is increasing pressure on its amenities, necessitating solutions to cater to the area’s growing popularity. This paper suggests using upcycled container glass and explores the potential applications of waste glass as a key design element for the pavilion. A qualitative analysis of current trends in glass upcycling, including techniques, cast glass, interlocking glass systems, and their application in architectural facades, supports this proposal.