moon hoon carves spherical void into ‘erotically charged’ cultural center

located northwest of seoul, in the korean town of ilsan, a cultural center has been constructed that boasts a particularly interesting façade. designed by moon hoon, the scheme has been realized as two separate structures that remain in constant dialogue as a result of a shared spherical void carved into the primary elevation of both buildings.

the scheme has been realized as two separate structures that remain in constant dialogue
all images by nam goongsun

influenced by the film two moon junction — an ‘erotic thriller’ — the project’s client wanted to construct an ‘erotically charged’ and ‘free spirited’ events space, centered around a coffee shop and an art gallery. two independent volumes were required to house both the client’s program, and that of his younger brother. working with a low budget, the design team sought to keep the scheme relatively simple with attention focused on specific areas of the the design.

a balcony protrudes from one of the concave surfaces

the project’s diamond shaped site was first divided in two, before two simple boxes were were divided with a narrow passage way. each building has three floors that can be accessed directly via individual staircases, keeping common space to a minimum, while maximizing rental usage. the upper storeys have outdoor gardens with high walls, while internally, pantheon-like domes continue the project’s use of elliptical forms. as a crowning gesture, the third floor’s free standing concrete walls are punctured with horoscopes representing the zodiac of both clients.

a rooftop terrace is found at the scheme’s upper level

the project also provides areas for rental space

view are offered towards the adjacent street

circular motifs are used throughout the design

a café is housed at first floor level

both buildings have three floors that can be accessed directly via individual staircases

pantheon-like domes continue the project’s use of elliptical features

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project info:

architect: moonbalsso (moon hoon)
design team: jang dukhyun, park jungwook
location: 19-34, 47, jungsan-dong, ilsandong-gu, goyang-si, gyeonggi-do, korea
program: multi-use building
site area: 711 sqm
building area: 257.34 sqm
gross floor area: 597.96 sqm
building scope: 3 floors
parking: 2 spaces
height: 11.3m
building to land ratio: 36.19%
floor area ratio: 84.10%
structure: reinforced concrete
exterior finishing: exposed concrete
interior finishing: painted cement brick
construction: nakhyunjae
structural engineering: hanwoori structure
mechanical/electric engineer: chunghyo high-tech
completed: 2015
budget: 500 million KRW
client: park jaehong , park junhong