mass studies: songwon art center

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mass studies: songwon art center

Jan 24, 2013

first image
'songwon art space' by mass studies, seoul, korea
image © kyungsub shin
all images courtesy of mass studies

acclaimed firm mass studies has just shared images with us of their new 'songwon art space' in seoul, korea, situated on a challengingly irregular
site with a significant transverse grade change and a slender angle where two roads converge. the footprint came about by this perimeter restriction
and the neighboring heritage house informed the height of the structure as it could not block sunshine to the protected site. the result is a mostly
subterranean building with exhibition spaces and parking in the basement levels where light can be more easily controlled and a commercial restaurant
in the top two levels where the sun is fully invited. the underground skeleton is made up of a customized pilotis system that raises the building off the
the ground allowing the necessary dimensions for cars while creating an area for the entrance. the edifice above ground in contrast is made up of a solid
reinforced concrete shell and a dramatically sloping translucent roof. along the sharp corner of the site, a two windows unexpectedly reveal the secret
of the building, extending views 11 meters upwards through the public space and 8 meters downwards through the exhibit functions, and suddenly the
scope of the project is revealed as the visitor finds themselves floating in the middle.

the glass canopy is composed of a triple-glazed system with embedded expanded steel mesh that helps filter direct light. this same louver mechanism is
applied into the display areas, not to filter but rather to manipulate light. exposed subtle materials were used throughout the project, white and polished
surfaces provide a neutral backdrop for any art exhibit and rough untreated textures and colors define the social programmatic elements. the exterior metal
panels were manufactured by a local steel manufacturer who supports the songwon culture foundation and whose technologies make it possible to create
affordable sheets of glavanized steel, roll painted with any color and texture to appear as another material.

elevation from the street
image © kyungsub shin

steel panels made to look like concrete
image © kyungsub shin

corner site
image © kyungsub shin

image © kyungsub shin

car entry on grade
image © kyungsub shin

front elevation
image © kyungsub shin

in the urban context
image © kyungsub shin

triangular skylight reveals the total depth of the structure
image © kyungsub shin

entrance vestibule
image © kyungsub shin

underside of entry
image © kyungsub shin

image © kyungsub shin

stairwell
image © kyungsub shin

exhibition space
image © kyungsub shin

void in the floor creates a larger space
image © kyungsub shin

thin louvers in the ceiling make a distinct style while controlling lighting
image © kyungsub shin

image © kyungsub shin

double height spaces allow natural light to seep deep into the structure
image © kyungsub shin

(left) stairs leading to the restaurant area
(right) glass canopy and louver system
image © kyungsub shin

restaurant
image © kyungsub shin

image © kyungsub shin

glass roof
image © kyungsub shin

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

roof plan

floor plan / level -1

floor plan / level -2

floor plan / level -3

section

elevation

project info:

name and site of the project: songwon art space
architects: mass studies : minsuk cho, kisu park
design team: mass studies: zongxoo u, yoonhwan kim, youngjoon chung, joungwon lee, daeun jeong, hyunjung kim, sanghoon lee, songmin lee
structural engineering: teo structure
mep engineer: hana consulting & engineers
lighting engineer: newlite
landscape design: soltos landscaping
client: songwon cultural foundation
construction: jehyo engneering & construction
type: commercial, public
location: seoul, korea
site area: 297.18 m2
site coverage area: 175.01 m2
total floor area: 841.51 m2
building-to-land ratio: 58.89%
floor area ratio: 90.25%
building scope: 2 floors, basement: 3 floors
structure: reinforced concrete
finish: steel panel, glass, cool-shade glass ,exposed color concrete,
design phase (beginning and ending month, year): 2006.7 – 2011.1
construction phase (beginning and ending month, year): 2010.12– 2012.05
design phase (beginning and ending month, year): 2006.7 – 2011.1
construction phase (beginning and ending month, year): 2010.12– 2012.05

danny db

01.24.13

mass studies (18 articles)

Interesting project, inside space feels much bigger than judging from outside. It’s unexpected. Huge skylights bringing in diffused nature lights but not direct sunlight, its quite successful. An observation- the arrival experience to this gallery is almost like arriving to a friend’s house (the front door, looking at the garage). I assume that this was intentional. its very low key in a way..

twny says:

Jan 24, 2013

Reply
Love this ! Small footprint and not dominating the neigbourhood like some other gallery’s / musea. The inside spaces feel great and ideal to present artwork or installations. Both entrances are subtle and especially the lowest one is very surprising !

Oliver says:

Jan 25, 2013

Reply
Well done. For once an architect who understands the need of clear flat wall space on which to hang art/project art/focus the mind/work on/create on
nice visual lines….use of solids and negative spaces and how one enters the building both visually and physically
I wish I could experience this in reality but Vermont is a long way away
thank you

Paedra says:

Jan 25, 2013

Reply
Nice!!!
That’s ARCHITECTURE….no arbitrary blobs, no not functioning messy colisions…
thank god there is still architects like this out there….

Chanyatola says:

Feb 05, 2013

Reply

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LOG IN VIA

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