Blooming Clouds

Located in Seoul's Teheran-ro business district, this project repurposes an abandoned basement structure to create a cultural centre. Known for its abundance of LED digital advertisements, the area contrasts with this project's vision to offer a human-centred design. The cultural centre serves as an urban oasis, providing moments of rest amidst the district's hectic work environment. At its core, the design features a balloon-nested scaffolding structure suspended above the atrium, symbolising ephemeral lightness and urban adaptability. The scaffolding's reusability and recyclability contribute to sustainable design, reducing construction waste and promoting resource efficiency in the built environment. Its floating form evokes levitation, visually contrasting with the rigid city grid and inviting visitors to experience a moment of weightlessness and wonder. The interplay between transparency and structure enhances the dynamic relationship between the building and human experience, offering a sanctuary that bridges architecture, art, and public interaction. As a result of an intervention that uses the existing structure, half of a slab is opened to reveal the original structural elements, evoking the image of an archaeological excavation site. The harmony between the existing structure and the newly introduced architectural elements suggests a thoughtful fusion of past and present. Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Ready For Market | Architecture