david chipperfield-designed amorepacific headquarters opens in seoul

photographer laurian ghinitoiu has shared images of the new headquarters of amorepacific, korea’s largest beauty company. designed by david chipperfield architects, the project broke ground in central seoul in 2014, and is now opening in stages to the company’s employees. the building spans seven basement levels and 22 storeys above ground, providing a place of work for 7,000 people. meanwhile, three roof gardens, on the 5th, 11th, and 17th floors, serve as external areas that offer views over the city and the mountains in the distance.

all images © laurian ghinitoiu

the site, which has been occupied by amorepacific since 1956, is situated next to a former US military zone that is being transformed into a new public park and business district. david chipperfield architects describes the design of the building as both ‘abstract and gestural’. based on the concept of a white porcelain ‘moon jar’, which symbolizes korean beauty, the monolithic structure is developed around a central courtyard that maximizes natural ventilation and daylight.

the lower levels of the building are used as cultural spaces, with visitors greeted with a large atrium as they enter the lobby. public amenities — such as the museum, auditorium, library, restaurants and childcare facilities — surround the atrium, ensuring that the project is embedded within seoul’s growing metropolis. the fifth floor contains facilities for staff, with a large cafeteria joining a gym, lounge, and massage room. above, floors 6 to 21 contain a range of offices and workspaces.

with their brise-soleil cladding, the façades not only provide shade and reduce heat load, but also allow the structure to be perceived as solid, open, and light. the underground pathway to the sinyongsan subway station — which is connected to the new headquarters, was designed by stpmj (lee seung-taek and lim mi-jeong), while the nearby park administration building was designed by architect yang soo-in. see here for designboom’s previous coverage of the project, and follow photographer laurian ghinitoiu on instagram here.