kyungam architects: jeju world natural heritage center

all images courtesty of kyungam architects associates ltd.

the jeju world natural heritage center was built by kyungam architects and sun architects & engineers
to educate and promote the importance of preservation of the jeju's islands natural sites.
the design concept for the center was 'heritage loop' referring to the idea that natural heritages
should be passed on from one generation to the next.

the overall site was designed to harmonize with the surrounding village and maintains a view of the geomunoreum volcano. a key component of the architectural plan was to imbue
as little damage as possible to the existing trees and topology.

the structure consists of zones dedicated to exhibition, education, research and maintenance.
the education area is made with moveable partitions customizable for multi-purpose usage.
the office area was intentionally centered within the building to allow for more effective
management of the center's various facilities. the research area with its separate outdoor
deck is placed furthest away from the center to provide a quiet atmosphere for researchers.
other amenities such as the cafeteria and observatory were placed on the top floor to allow
for nice view and a place of leisure.

elevation: the motif of the elevation was drawn from the natural topological flow of the jeju's
volcanic mountains. the outer wall uses a local materuak hyunmuam, a local material and the
interior walls are made of glass to create a more open space.

section: the heritage center uses a 9m height level and has a large open cut roof that provides
natural light and air to the underground levels.

project information:

location: jeju, koreasite area: 40, 404.00 m2 building area: 4,360.15 m2
gross floor area: 6, 918.41m2
building coverage ratio: 10.79%
gross floor ratio: 6.99%
building scale: b1~2f
use: mixed cultural facilities