The best architectural designs don’t need to look overcomplicated, they just need to be effective. This sleek pair of 17-story office buildings in Seoul by South Korean firm BCHO architects is a perfect example.
The architects took inspiration from an old Korean birch tree trunk, organic and sculpted as if molded by flowing water. The design allows the structures to efficiently utilize the irregular site conditions, which are composed of vaguely acute angles.
With a heavy amount of pedestrian activity in the area, a space was intentionally placed between the buildings to minimize above-ground disruptions. What’s really extraordinary, that you wouldn’t know by just looking at them, is that the two buildings share seven basement levels below-ground, and there is a linear pathway that connects them!
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MVRDV recently designed the Water Cube pavilion for the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, Korea. The structure is designed to express the power and beauty of the oceans, and is composed of water filled basins, which act as both a temperature buffer as well as the main attraction. A bit like being inside an aquarium, the hollow inner sanctum will be lit with water-filtered light, and will be used as an exhibition center during the Expo. Continue Reading »
This installation gives “walking into the light” a whole new meaning. Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka will exhibit a glass window made of 500 crystal prisms at MUSEUM. beyond museum in Seoul this May. Called Rainbow Church, the 26 foot-high (8 meter) installation will create rainbows within the space as light is refracted. Continue Reading »
The National Ecological Institute of South Korea recently released plans for a large-scale nature reserve. Designed by architectural firm SAMOO, the “Ecorium Project” will be a striking environmental center spread out over a 33,000 square meter area of natural environment. Continue Reading »
The natural beauty of Jeju Island in South Korea serves as a backdrop for this museum designed by Seoul-based architects Gansam Partners. Situated within the Halla Mountains, the recently completed Jeju Provincial Art Museum accentuates the surrounding natural environment through material selection and carefully designed views of the exterior. Continue Reading »
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Featured Event
One of the the biggest Asian cinema events to hit Southern California opens on May 10. The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, presented by Visual Communications, features the latest works by established and emerging filmmakers, along with seminars, panel discussions and symposiums on topics relevant to Asian Pacific cinema.
Opening Night features “Shanghai Calling,” directed by Daniel Hsia and starring Korean American Daniel Henney, who plays a Chinese American expat lawyer navigating his way through the mean streets of Shanghai (the picture above also indicates he is a raisin smuggler). But does he take off his shirt? Go watch the movie to find out! read more
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