asian culture complex by kyu sung woo architects

american based korean architect kyu sung woo has designed the asian culture complex
for may 18th democracy plaza in downtown gwangju, south korea.

woo’s design exploits natural light, with glass cube skylights, light tubes, clerestories,
light shelves, and transparent scrims, to create a literal connection with nature and a
spiritual one to korea’s 'city of light.' the new landmark’s below-grade construction
carves an innovative architectural core in a 1.4 million square foot public landscape.
taking as its themes flexibility, light, and connection to nature, and conceived as an
integral part of the city fabric, memorial plaza, and associated historic buildings,
the new structure is nestled in a landscape featuring 300 flowering golden rain trees,
along with groves of bamboo and korean pines, virtually bowing to its surroundings.
a visitor center, in a former police administration building, showcases exhibits about
democracy movements throughout asia.


aerial view of asian culture complex

the design strategy for the ACC, centered on creating a new park and building
within the earth, responds to the climatic conditions of gwangju. the climate concept
for the project emerges from a thorough consideration of the totality of the building
from a thermodynamic perspective. form, material, and mechanical systems combine
as synergistic components of a unified concept. visitors access the complex from
numerous entry points, including links to subways and major entrances on the south,
west and north. escalators and inclinators, and ramps connect levels of the plaza
and interior, creating a barrier-free environment. sustainable systems, such as optimal
daylight design, earth-contact pre-heating and pre–cooling, slab-embedded hydronic
radiant heating and cooling, and a 100% outdoor air low-pressure displacement
ventilation system, qualify the structure for the highest rating by korea’s green
building council . this strategy will generate energy savings of up to 40% over a
conventionally conceived building.


asian culture complex, artplex section


asian culture complex, childrenspace


asian culture complex, multiplace

the roof of the structure is a grassy citizens park, with shaded bamboo groves,
play environments and welcoming lawns. from the park, ramps descend along
the structure’s exterior, through a series of stepped outdoor plazas, which showcase
key elements, such as the jemyong stone lamp and five-tiered stone tower,
and support seasonal activities, markets, gatherings, events, and political rallies.
these plazas are cooled by large air circulators generating subtle breezes, along their
core runs a continuous glass façade, which provides light, transparency, and views
to the cultural activities in the Complex’s interior spaces. at the deepest part of
the structure, double layers of glass silk-screened with traditional korean motifs,
infuse the building’s skin with a subtle celadon glaze. there, inside, a 25-meter-high
atrium or 'light box' defines a lofty exhibit space and an art plex with flexible
performance halls and multimedia theater offers a stream of new programming.
the project is scheduled for completion in 2012.


asian culture complex, park


asian culture complex, park


asian culture complex, site