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FUTURA SPACE

The architectural design began with the question, 

“How can we create a space that welcomes the beauty of nature?”

        Futura seoul is divided into two distinct sections. The first section spans the first-floor lobby and courtyard, the second-floor exhibition hall and atrium, and the third-floor terrace and rooftop garden, all closely interconnected. The second section, in contrast, is composed of a single large exhibition hall with a ceiling height of 10.8 Meters, creating two spaces with unique and contrasting characteristics.

        The architectural design was overseen by Jonghwan Baek, the head of WGNB, a Seoul-based space design studio known for iconic projects such as the Juun.J flagship store. His work has earned him prestigious accolades, including the top honors at the frame awards and IF Design awards, and WGNB was named “studio of the year” by the german design council’s iconic awards, earning international recognition.

Building Exterior

           The architectural design began with the question, “How can we create a space that welcomes the beauty of nature?” The front facade, which runs along the boundary of the site, features a 25-meter-wide, 6.7-meter-high concrete mass and horizontal ribbon windows that exude a sense of serene stability. Additionally, the cantilevered structure, which extends approximately 5 meters outward, creates a spatial void beneath the upper facade, reminiscent of the tranquil relaxation found under the eaves of a traditional Korean Hanok.

First-Floor and Rear Garden


           The skip floor structure, which spans the first floor and the courtyard level, introduces flexibility to the space, while the exposed concrete texture in muted tones serves as the primary color scheme, allowing the natural beauty of the external environment to be fully appreciated. The large concrete ceiling, designed with wave-like curves, draws the visitor’s gaze from the entrance directly to the courtyard.

           The courtyard embodies the concept of ‘Borrowed scenery’, where elements of the natural landscape are integrated into the design. Futura Seoul’s garden invites the natural world inside through large windows, capturing the essence of rocks, trees, the shimmer of sunlight on new leaves, and the scent of grass. This process heightens our senses and fosters an appreciation for the harmony between nature and humanity.

Second-Floor Exhibition Space and Atrium

              On the second floor, a 24-meter-wide window stretches along the lower section of the wall, drawing the exterior landscape of Bukchon into the space, creating a distinct contrast with the first-floor courtyard. While the courtyard connects with nature, the second-floor exhibition space offers a window into the present-day Bukchon.


           The atrium, a modern reinterpretation of a traditional hanok courtyard, is an exhibition space surrounded by three high walls, with an open ceiling that allows natural light to pour in, capturing the passage of time.


Third-Floor Terrace and Rooftop

          The terrace and rooftop garden offer sweeping views of Bukchon, serving as a place for rest and healing. To the east, the tiled roofs of hanoks stretch out in waves, creating a gentle rhythm. These hanoks, which have retained the texture of traditional spaces, coexist with the modern urban environment, offering a timeless beauty. To the west, the wooded slopes of Inwangsan Mountain, a source of inspiration for artists like Jeong Seon, can be seen.
To the south, the towering skyscrapers with Namsan Mountain in the background represent Seoul’s economic vitality and dynamism. Finally, to the north, the tranquil residential areas at the foot of Bugaksan Mountain offer a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

100 POEMS


The “100 poems” exhibition space is the highlight of Futura Seoul. This space was created with the intention of treating each exhibition as a poem, crafting 100 such poetic experiences. Measuring 20 meters in length, 11 meters in width, and 10.8 meters in height, this space overwhelms with its sheer scale. The natural light streaming in through the skylight and the blue sky beyond infuse the space with lyrical beauty. The diagonal shadows cast on the walls convey the passage of time and the changes in nature, transforming each exhibition into one of the 100 poems that will resonate with the audience.