Sustainability in Songdo IBD: from the Environment to the Community.

January 8, 2009 general, Uncategorized 4 comments

By Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson

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.

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 U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (LEED). 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. The KGBCS (Korean Green Building Certification System) is used on selected parcels within Songdo IBD. The use of both Korean and International green building rating systems ensures that projects are built to a high standard of sustainable design and construction.

Yet another part of sustainability is helping out with the direct participation with the greater Incheon community via the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program going on at Gale International. There are a number of ways that Gale has given back to the citizens of Incheon.

Please take a quick look at the video to catch a glimpse of how Gale takes CSR seriously in Songdo IBD. Comments? Questions?

Taubman Asia Announces Cinema Multiplex Megabox for Songdo Mall

January 7, 2009 Songdo IBD in the News, Uncategorized 3 comments

744thm By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger

I was excited to see this announcement. Megabox is popular in Korea, so are films. Did you know the first films were shown in Korea during the late 1890s. In fact, in 1899, Burton Holmes, the great travelogue writer and lecturer, entertained the Korean royal family with motion pictures. Today Korean cinema has gained much international acclaim.

Taubman Asia, a subsidiary of U.S. mall REIT, Taubman Centers, Inc. today officially announced that cinema multiplex leader Megabox, has signed as the cinema operator and third anchor tenant in Songdo Shopping Center situated in the heart of the master-planned Songdo International Business District (Songdo IBD), Incheon, Korea. Songdo IBD is being developed by New York headquartered Gale International and Korea’s Posco E&C.

“This is the third major anchor signing to be completed for Songdo Shopping Center, following the announcement of Lotte Department Store back in April, and Tesco Homeplus in September,” said Morgan Parker, president of Taubman Asia, the manager and developer of Songdo Shopping Center.

“We are thrilled to secure Megabox as an anchor tenant. Megabox is widely recognized in Korea as the premier provider of big screen entertainment,” Parker said.

The Megabox multiplex at the Songdo Shopping Center will feature nine theaters with seating for approximately 1,900 patrons. One of the nine theaters will be “M Class,” Megabox’s up-market, luxury experience, featuring a large format screen and superior sound system.

“The Megabox deal is a significant milestone for this project, as it is the first lifestyle/entertainment provider for the shopping center in Songdo IBD,” added Parker. “This is in keeping with our vision of developing a leisure lifestyle and entertainment destination, in addition to a retail complex of international standards. The Megabox complex will perfectly augment the international luxury lifestyle shopping and amenities planned for the shopping center.”

The two-level enclosed international style shopping center, designed by globally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, with interior design by Benoy, will be the first of its kind in Korea. It is being developed as an integrated space and includes a Lotte Department Store, a Tesco Homeplus hypermarket, a Megabox multiplex cinema, a food emporium, an ice rink, and approximately 150 specialty stores.

For more information about Taubman, visit www.taubman.com

Incheon Bridge: Building Hope

January 2, 2009 Songdo IBD in the News 2 comments

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Great article in JoongAng Daily.

SONGDO, Incheon – The mercury dips below zero, and a cold wind hits your face hard.

The wintry marine weather makes itself felt on every inch of the deck as the boat navigates the waters off the West Coast.

The usually 30-minute journey sometimes turns into hours if rain, snow or strong waves come. It seemed a hard enough trip in itself when a reporter took it last Tuesday.

To Chung Myung-hyun, a 31-year-old assistant manager at Samsung Engineering and Construction, it is the only means of commuting to work, and he has repeated it twice a day over the past three and a half years.

Chung works as a main construction field manager in the middle of the sea near this Incheon district.

He is leading the effort to build the longest-ever cross-sea bridge in Korea. His hard work is slowly coming to an end, and the fruit it will bear is great.

The Incheon Bridge, construction of which began in July 2005, is scheduled to be finished by October of this year. It will be the fifth-largest cable-stayed bridge in the world.

“At this pace, we think we will be able to finish this one month earlier than scheduled,” Chung said, turning his eyes toward the massive bridge as it emerged on the horizon.

On Dec. 16 of last year, an 800-meter (0.5-mile) section between the bridge’s two main towers was connected, completing a 12.3 kilometer over-sea section.

The entire bridge will be more than 21.27 kilometers long.

Unlike the proposed Alaskan “Bridge to Nowhere,” the Incheon Bridge definitely has a point.

Linking the Incheon International Airport on Yeongjong Island and the international business district of New Songdo City, the bridge has grabbed the attention of many locals for its potential to improve logistics in the metropolitan area, turning Korea into the Northeast Asian economic hub the government has long pursued.

People, including those who have worked on the bridge construction, say it serves as a source of hope, which Korea and many other countries are short on these days amid the biggest economic crisis in decades.

“What we are building is not just a bridge, we are building hope,” said construction worker Eom Sang-hyun, 51, while he cleared away machinery from the completed over-sea section.

Some believe that the project will go a long way to reviving the Korean economy, given the enormous resources poured into it.

According to the Samsung Joint Venture, a group of seven local builders formed for the project and led by Samsung Engineering and Construction, more than a million people have been mobilized for the project each year since construction began.

The number of pieces of heavy machinery used on the site has reached 100,000, including 27,500 large cranes and 52,000 tugboats.

The total length of steel rebar used is 127,000 meters, enough for 7,500 apartment units.

“Many of the workers here have sacrificed their time with their families for this project, but they think it’s worthwhile,” Chung said.

“We believe that this bridge, the world’s fifth-largest, will contribute to brightening the future for Korea,” he added.

JoongAng Daily link

Seasons Greetings from Songdo IBD CityTalk

December 25, 2008 general Comments Off on Seasons Greetings from Songdo IBD CityTalk

sae-hae-bok

Sae hae bok  mani  ba deu say yo!

새해복  많이  받으세요

We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. Great success in the new year.

Please plan to visit this site in 2009  to learn and comment about Songdo IBD. 

Seasons Greetings, 
Don Southerton and the Songdo IBD CityTalk team

Songdo International School tour from Chinese Mayor and Microsoft

December 15, 2008 Education 3 comments

By Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson, CMO, Songdo uLife

 

Chinese mayor and guests tour Classroom of the Future

Chinese mayor and guests tour Classroom of the Future

On December 11th, two tours of the Songdo International School (SIS) were hosted by Gale International on the site in Songdo. In the morning the general manager of Microsoft Research – Beijing and team were given a tour of the entire IT/CCTV/Cable/broadcast TV infrastructure of the SIS campus. This tour was designed for them to get a glimpse of the state-of-the-art technology already in place at the school. They mentioned how impressed they were by the huge investment in IT and went away with a bigger picture of how SIS is truly going to become the Most Ideal Environment (their words) for Microsoft’s initiatives in international education.

In the afternoon a large tour group from China arrived in two buses at the school. They were escorted by Chairman Stan Gale into the SIS Classroom of the Future, where they learned about student-centric, personalized learning that SIS will offer to all students K-12. The SIS team presented the concept of School 2.0 – how children who attend SIS will be learning in small, collaborative groups with teachers who are Guides by the Side, not Sages on the Stages. The SIS team is using best practices as identified by Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School professor who has recently published a very successful book about where education should be heading.

See HBS publication http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/5978.html for more info. Note Learning-centric (left) and Teacher-centric (right). Click to zoom.

Songdo IBD is for everyone

December 15, 2008 general 10 comments

jorge-face By Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson, CMO, Songdo uLife

We want everyone in Korea to feel proud of Songdo IBD and visit often, if not live there. There are going to be many opportunities for all residents and guests throughout Songdo IBD as the quality of life amenities are world-class and available for everyone to enjoy. Songdo IBD is rising more and more everyday and we want everyone to know they are welcome to share in the realization of this dream of the City of the Future now – in Incheon – rising along the Western Sea of Korea.

For example, the 100-acre Central Park is beginning to take shape with the salt water canal going in and the bike and walkways being surrounded by freshly-transplanted pines (Songdo means pine forest in Korean). Electric water taxis will ferry folks up and down the canal, passing by the Ecotarium and Museum along the banks as well as arriving at either the Cultural Center at one end down by the sea shore or at the North East Asia Trade Tower at the other up at the central business district. The environmental sustainability of the park is evident as the recovery of rainwater will be used for irrigation in the forest and gardens located there. And, the 2500 space parking garage is entirely underground to help keep the idyllic nature of Central Park pristine and quiet – a peaceful place for respite in the center of the bustling city.

Across from the Central Park is the Taubman Shopping Centre – designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind and interior by Benoy – which will bring the first regional shopping centre experience to Korea. Lotte department store, Megabox cinemas, and HomePlus hypermarket are signed up as anchor stores, already occupying 70% of the 1.1 million sq. ft. leased space and approx. 160 more stores will soon follow. Inside the Taubman Shopping Centre one major amenity – the ice rink (also available as a venue for 3000 visitors for car shows, fashion shows, etc.) will feature an hourly original free interactive multi-media show for shoppers to experience during the grooming of the ice.

Transportation to and from Songdo IBD will be easy and inexpensive to access as there are three major subway stations in the IBD as well as city buses, taxis, bike paths and underground parking for thousands of cars. The city is designed for pedestrians in mind so strolling around the master-planned city of architectural wonders will be an enjoyable activity in itself.

Songdo IBD is a city that is open to all Koreans and will soon become the pride of Korea as the gateway to Northeast Asia. The smorgasbord of amenities are world-class and the open air feeling, the beauty of the buildings and the easy access to the entire city is inviting, enjoyable as well as environmentally sustainable. It is our hope to create many lucrative opportunties for good jobs for Koreans to work and live in Songdo IBD. As you look around now and begin to see all the quality of life investments and improvements made already, you can see that we are well on our way in fulfilling that promise to Korea and her people. Do stop by soon and see for yourself how Songdo IBD welcomes all people to live and thrive together in an ideal urban setting.

Big Response to Charity Event

December 14, 2008 Songdo IBD in the News Comments Off on Big Response to Charity Event

carl-2008 By Carl Seaholm, EVP Gale International

The “Good Market” event in the Incheon Convensia on Saturday Dec 13th was highly successful thanks to help from The American Women’s Club, Gale International Korea, Posco E&C, Beautiful Store and G-Spirit Global Ambassadors and Scholars. Over 800 residents showed up to contribute to this wonderful charity event. Many came to learn about environmental sustainability and to practice their English skills. A good time was had by all and a considerable amount of money (still counting the receipts) was generated for a very worthwhile cause. We hope the participants enjoyed the events as much as the volounteers.

Full Throttle and Full Speed Ahead

December 14, 2008 general Comments Off on Full Throttle and Full Speed Ahead

 

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  By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger 

A key aspect of Songdo IBD CityTalk will be commentary, breaking news, and first-hand accounts of the Songdo IBD project. We will try to minimize re-cycling news on Songdo IBD, except when we feel it will promote dialogue. I begin with some commentary.

Full Throttle

Reflecting on my trip to Korea last week, I did see concerns on the economy. For one, firms and businesses are more reserved this year with their holiday decorations. My contacts in many of Korea’s top Groups feel there will be some downsizing and layoffs—the first in ten years. Despite the global economic downturn, some leaders see opportunity. Hyundai-Kia Motors Chairman Chung Mong Koo last week noted the need for the company to “go full throttle” at a time when some in the industry are in turmoil. Chung noted Hyundai-Kia would focus on small cars and Green technology. Hyundai vowed to provide decent jobs and help the national economy.

Songdo IBD Full Speed Ahead

What did stand out last week was the huge concern that foreign investors are pulling out of Korea. Interestingly, this is not so with Songdo IBD. In contrast, the project is moving forward as planned. For example, 2009 will see the completion of the 7.4 mile Incheon Bridge along with the 1st phase of the Songdo IBD, including the 100 acre Central Park and Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. To me,  borrowing from the words of Chairman Stan Gale it looks like “ Full Speed Ahead,” for  Gale International and Songdo IBD.

Questions? Comments? Please Register and Share.

Songdo IBD In the News: Bazaar to bring English to Incheon on Saturday

December 13, 2008 Songdo IBD in the News One comment
  

Gale International Korea, the local branch of the U.S.-based real estate development firm in charge of the New Songdo International City development project, announced yesterday that it will hold an English charity bazaar from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at Songdo Convensia in Incheon.    

The event will be held jointly with the Beautiful Store charity organization, and will feature an English-language market, one-day English classes for children and eco-friendly events such as displays of green toys. All profits will go to help the needy through the Beautiful Store. 

Foreign employees of Gale International Korea, members of the American Women’s Club and students at Incheon Foreign Language High School will participate.

JoongAng Daily

Welcome to Songdo IBD CityTalk

December 10, 2008 general One comment

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By Don Southerton, Songdo IBD CityTalk Editor and Chief Blogger

 

Songdo IBD CityTalk is for sharing information, news, and opinions about Incheon, South Korea’s Songdo International Business District (IBD). 

Songdo IBD Citytalk은 한국의 송도 국제 업무지구에 대한 최신 정보와 뉴스, 그리고 여러 분야 전문가들의 의견을 나누려는 목적으로 만들어진 블로그입니다. 

Songdo IBD CityTalk Goal  Create a virtual community where the local public, media, bloggers, journalists, cutting edge urban enthusiasts, Green supporters, developers, tenants, contractors, and folks from around the world can share and discuss Songdo IBD and its vision.

Songdo IBD Citytalk은 지역경제, 미디어, 블로거, 저널리스트, 최첨단 도시 매니아, 환경 운동가, 도시 개발가, 부동산 투자자, 그밖에 세계 모든 사람들과 송도 국제 업무 지구과 송도의 미래에 대해서 토론할 수 있는 공간을 제공합니다.

We strictly prohibit any postings that contain incorrect or misleading information about Songdo IBD, or slander Songdo IBD and its stakeholders.

하지만, 우리는 송도 국제 업무지구와 그와 관련된 사람들에 대한 어떠한 잘못된 정보 혹은 의도된 중상을 엄격히 금지할 것 입니다.

Songdo IBD CityTalk Guidelines Songdo IBD CityTalk supports the Blogger’s Code of Ethics as posted in www.cyberjournalist.net.  We will abide by three main principles, “be honest and fair, minimize harm and be accountable.”

Songdo IBD Citytalk 윤리지침; Songdo IBD Citytalk는 Cyberjournalist (www.cyberjournalist.net)의 블로거 윤리 기준(Blogger’s Code of Ethics)을 지킬 것 입니다. 특별히, 우리는 기본적인 세가지 블로거 윤리 기준인  “정직하고 공평한(be honest and fair), 피해를 입히지 않는(minimize harm), 믿을 만한(be accountable) 글을 올려야 한다는 블로거 윤리 기준을 준수합니다.  

This Blog is designed to be Mobile Blogging (moblog) friendly and is Mobile Posting compatible

이 블로그는 모바일 친화적인 블로그로 디자인되었습니다. 따라서 모바일 도구를 이용한 포스팅이 가능합니다.

Some Facts Songdo IBD is a planned international business center being developed on 1,500 acres of reclaimed land along the Incheon waterfront, 40 miles (65 km) west of Seoul, South Korea. The project is part of the Incheon Free Economic Zone. In 2009, Songdo IBD will connect to Incheon International Airport by the 7.4 mile (12.3 km) Incheon Bridge.

Songdo IBD

The Songdo IBD will include a convention center, international school, mall, museum, ecotarium, cultural center, Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, Northeast Asia Trade Towers (NEATT), First World Towers, and Central Park. This 10-year development project is estimated to cost in excess of $40 billion, making it the largest private global development. The project’s vision is to make the city and South Korea the preeminent business hub of Asia.　 　

Songdo IBD is being developed by Gale International and POSCO E &C. Songdo IBD has already received numerous accolades. It’s seen as a test bed for sustainability, Green, and cutting-edge urban technology.

Questions? Comments?  Please note we promote open communications. In order to protect against spam and abusive remarks, all comments will be reviewed before being posted. That said, we ask you to register and look forward to your thoughts, contributions, and participation. Blog on

질문 혹은 의견: 자유롭고 활발한 토론의 분위기를 유지하기 위해 스팸이나 욕설이 포함된 글은 포스트 되기 전에 삭제 될 것 입니다. 따라서, 블로그에 여러분의 생각과 참여를 포스트 하시기 위해서 블로그 회원에 가입해 주시길 부탁 드립니다. 

 

 

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