deeply inspired by a local traditional nursery rhyme, design studio millionyears has introduced a cultural complex facility in south korea, that combines old & new structures into one. dubbed ‘dukkeobi’ (meaning ‘toad’ in korean), the project brings past and present together, in harmonious coexistence, navigating the architectural solution around the lyrics of the children’s song. 

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 1
all images courtesy of studio millionyears

 

 

the lyrics of the nursery go as follows: ‘hey toad, hey toad, i’ll give you an old house, give me a new house, hey toad, hey toad, get me some water, i’ll build your house, hey toad, hey toad, your house is on fire, bring your chains and come around’. there are several theories about the meaning of the song. in one of them, the ‘old house‘ symbolizes a mother, while ‘new house’ for a newborn. in addition, the toad bears a metaphorical meaning of an object of fear and holiness, presented as a poisonous being that can harm both real animals and humans. in other words, the song tells the story of a mother pleading to a toad that she would be willing to give her life to it, if she could only have a newborn.

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 3

 

 

the old building remained precarious on the site, just like the ‘old house’ or the mother seems to appear in the lyrics. ‘she was singing hoping for a ‘new house’ (newborn) that would replace her, as she is no longer able to stand’ studio millionyears explains. ‘but we hoped that this song would not end up as a sad story here; a place where no one’s sacrifice is necessary’ the team adds.

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 4

 

 

we wanted to create a place where the ‘old house’ and the ‘new house’, even ‘toad’ which is the object of fear, can all coexist. following this approach, a new building was placed on the site, while maintaining the old pre-existing building, like a ‘newborn’ in the womb of a ‘mother’. furthermore, through the illumination and shape within the interior, visitors become newborns themselves, experiencing the space as a mother’s womb.

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based on the rhythmic repetition and simplicity of the nursery rhymes, the layout and structure of the building, as well as the furniture of the interior and the exterior landscape, were expressed in geometric form. the project is designed to focus on music and sound, not only in terms of meaning but also in actual function. as visitors follow the line of movement from the entrance to the main square, they can feel the intensity of the visual experience gradually decrease, and the auditory concentration increase.  

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the entire program features two squares of different widths that overlap with each other. the lounge square takes a method of mobilizing visual senses as the first step of the spatial experience, creating a space atmosphere full of subtle, warm light. here, visitors can find food and beverages, and other goods, while the square also houses a reception area to provide necessary services. as one approaches the main square, located a little deeper along the path, the balance of sensory shifts from visual to auditory. this space is formed to serve as an open auditorium where people can freely enjoy curated music and performances.

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 7

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 8

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 9

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 10

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 11

dukkeobi project the coexistence of an old building that already exists and a building that will be newly built at that location 12

 

 

project info:

 

name: dukkeobi project
designer: studio millionyears
location: jungbu-daero, cheoin-gu, yongin-si, gyeonggi-do, republic of korea design
director: hanyoung jang, hanjin jang
site area: 1,247.1 m2
building area: 366.7 m2
planned total area: 366.7 m2

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom