praud sculpts crescent-shaped cultural center in south korea

PRAUD’s Cultural Welfare Center Transforms Anjwa Island

PRAUD Architectural Studio designs a cultural welfare center for farmers, located in Anjwa-myeon, Shinan-gun, South Korea. This project is part of a broader initiative to enhance cultural welfare across the region following the opening of Cheonsa Bridge in 2019, which connected 9 Myeon Islands. Anjwa Island, notable as the birthplace of artist Kim Hwan-ki and pansori master Lee Young-tae, now hosts a village hall with a flexible space for performances.

The design of the farmers’ hall sought to transcend the functional and monotonous forms typical of such facilities. By introducing variable spaces and innovative architectural forms, the project aims to revitalize local culture and provide a dynamic community hub in a region facing population decline.

all images by © Chin Hyo Sook

Crescent-Shaped Cultural Center Fuses Architecture with Nature

The site, surrounded by rice fields and hills, offers an open view to the northeast. The building’s form, inspired by a crescent moon, harmonizes with the natural scenery and serves as a stage backdrop for outdoor performances. The first floor’s horizontal bar-shaped mass structurally responds to the surrounding landscape’s horizontality.

The crescent-shaped structure crafted by PRAUD rises towards the sea, offering views from the second floor that extend over the rice fields to the sea beyond. The farmers’ hall features both external and internal multipurpose spaces. The external field accommodates local product sales, while the internal space can transform into a playground, marketplace, or performance hall. This adaptability is achieved through retractable stages and audience seating, allowing the space to host a variety of activities.

PRAUD’s cultural welfare center stands in Anjwa-myeon, Shinan-gun, South Korea