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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?”

        The space of Futura Seoul is divided into two zones. The first zone is closely divided into the lobby and rear garden on the first floor, the exhibition hall and courtyard on the second floor, and the terrace and rooftop garden on the third floor, while the second zone consists of one large exhibition hall with a ceiling height of 10.8m, creating two distinct and unique spaces.


        About architecture, Jonghwan Baek, the CEO of WGNB, a Seoul-based space design studio known for iconic architectural designs like the Juun.J flagship store, was responsible for the architecture's design. His international recognition includes top awards at the FRAME Awards and the IF Design Awards, as well as being named ‘Studio of the Year’ at the Iconic Awards hosted by the German Design Council.

Size of the Space
Land area1,155㎡ / 349.39py
Building footprint

581.23㎡ / 175.82py

Gross floor area

995.70㎡ / 301.73py

BUILDING EXTERIOR

       The design began with the question of ‘how to embrace the beauty of nature through space’. The front façade, spanning the entire front land boundary, consists of a 25m wide and 6.7m high concrete structure with horizontal band windows, evoking a sense of elegance and solidity.

       Moreover, the upper façade is elevated using a Cantilever structure, generating approximately 5m of space underneath, offering a vast resting area reminiscent of the eaves of a Hanok.

FIRST FLOOR AND COURTYARD

           The Skip Floor structure accommodates the flexibility of space by spanning half a floor between levels, while the colorless exposed concrete texture serves as the dominant interior color, frankly capturing the natural colors outside. The expansive concrete ceiling features a curved design resembling rippling waves, immediately drawing attention to the garden of Futura Seoul.

           The garden embodies the concept of 'borrowed scenery', bringing nature's elements such as rocks, trees, light green sprouts, swaying sunlight, and the scent of grass through extensive, high windows. This integration stimulates our sensory experience and fosters a mindset that values the harmony between nature and humanity.

SECOND FLOOR EXHIBTION SPACE AND ATRIUM

          A distinctive look and atmosphere from the garden of the first floor is created by placing a 24m wide window at the bottom of the front of the second floor to bring the external scenery of Bukchon into the space.

          The first-floor garden constitutes a linkage to nature, while the long window in the second-floor exhibition area showcases the current atmosphere of Bukchon. Enclosed by high walls on three sides of walls, the Atrium has a ceiling that opens to the sky, creating an exhibition space that captures the passage of time through the natural light streaming in.

THIRD-FLOOR TERRACE AND ROOFTOP

          The terrace and rooftop garden provide clear views of Bukchon and constitute a place for relaxation and healing. The roof tiles of Hanok create a wave-like rhythm with their layered arrangement to the east. In Gahoe-dong, the Hanok preserves the traditional architectural texture while co-existing with modern cityscape, showcasing abiding beauty that transcends time.

        Through the dense woods, the imposing Inwangsan Mountain is visible in the western direction. Inwangsan Mountain has long been an inspiration for artists like Gyeomjae Jeong Seon and has stood as a representation of Seoul for many years. In the southern direction, tall buildings contrast with the ridge of Namsan. At the top of Namsan sits Seoul Tower, and on the left are iconic structures like the Hyundai Gye-dong Building, symbolizing the economic growth and vitality of Seoul. Northward, placid homes are visible at the base of Mountain Bukak, with the Board of Audit and Inspection and Jungang High School in the distance. The bustling energy of Seoul is absent, giving way to a serene atmosphere of daily life.

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.



System Specifications

  • Vehicle Access Available
  • Equipped with Audio System
  • Equipped with Ondol (Underfloor Heating) System
  • No Columns Within the Space