Suwon Registers Former National Institute of Animal Science Facilities as Outstanding Architectural Assets

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon City was selected in the '2021 Local Government Contest for Preservation and Utilization of Architectural Assets,' hosted and organized by the Architecture and Urban Research Institute (auri) and sponsored by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The competition was conducted across three categories: ▲basic surveys on architectural assets and construction of information systems ▲basic surveys on architectural heritage zones and establishment of management plans ▲registration and utilization of outstanding architectural assets. Suwon City was selected in the 'registration and utilization of outstanding architectural assets' category.

Suwon City plans to have the 'cluster of former National Institute of Animal Science animal husbandry research facilities' located in Omokcheon-dong, Gwonseon-gu recognized as outstanding architectural assets and will devise concrete plans for their utilization. The cluster of former National Institute of Animal Science animal husbandry research facilities comprises the 'Second Layer House,' 'First Rearing House,' 'Roosters' House,' and 'silo,' among others.

Following the selection, Suwon City and the Architecture and Urban Research Institute plan to conduct basic surveys on the architectural assets by the end of this year and establish a 'basic framework plan for registration and utilization of outstanding architectural assets.'

The former National Institute of Animal Science, which originated from the 'Royal Farm of Suwon' established in 1915 during the Japanese colonial period, led the modernization of Korean livestock technology for 100 years until its relocation to Wanju, Jeollabuk-do Province in 2015 in accordance with the government's regional balanced development policy.

As a national-level building, it holds high historical significance. The 'National Institute of Animal Science animal husbandry research facilities cluster' is a group of structures built during the 1960s-1980s, reflecting the architectural trends of the era.

It features livestock facilities such as silos, which are rare to see in cities, offering a glimpse of Suwon's past as an agricultural city. It also has high preservation value as it can serve a sociocultural role in reviving residents' memories.

An official from Suwon City stated, "Through this project, we will assign the role of a 'Urban Architecture Asset Platform' to buildings that embody Suwon's unique urban identity with a long history as an agricultural city," and added, "We will strengthen Suwon's identity and contribute to revitalizing the cultural reuse of public architectural assets."