Herzog & de Meuron-Designed SONGEUN ArtSpace Opens in Seoul
Herzog & de Meuron’s first project in South Korea, for the SONGEUN Art & Cultural Foundation, is inspired by distinct elements of local context, culture and environment
According to SONGEUN Art & Cultural Foundation chairman Sang Duck Yoo, the series of questions that arose when deciding which architects to commission for the foundation’s new art space in Seoul were: ‘What does architecture look like when it helps build culture? Which firm would best prioritise the art over architecture? And which firm would be able to not only establish a unique structural architecture for art, but also best amplify each artist’s works across different mediums?’ The end goal was to create an unrivalled architectural structure that would stand as a physical embodiment of SONGEUN’s core values of strengthening the relationship between cultural institutions, the community and the city through innovative thinking. And so, the new SONGEUN ArtSpace was born.
‘When we approached architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, we were aware that they receive a multitude of proposals from around the world, from which they are only able to select a few. At first, we were unsure that they would even consider our proposal as we aren’t a big name like Prada, nor an institution like Tate, nor on a similar financial scale to the Olympic stadium,’ says Yoo. ‘Fortunately, the firm has always had a strong commitment to community projects, which is very much in line with our own practice. So not only did we "select" them, they also selected us — something we’re extremely proud of and honoured by.’
The brief was for a bold new landmark that would be inspiring rather than intimidating, an inviting space for emerging artists to show their work. The only requirement, Yoo says, was to ‘go as high as possible’, since the views of the Seoul River and mountains from the upper floors are ‘phenomenal’. ‘Due to the expensive land price in South Korea, especially in this area, we also wanted to use the maximum floor space,’ Yoo says. ‘In addition, as Seoul tends to have a lot of air pollution, it was important to choose a surface that will age well in these conditions.’
The main goal of the project was to create a cultural anchor that invites the public in and broadens the profile of Korean artists on the international contemporary art scene. From the outset, the architects sought to create a building that stands out in its context; the new SONGEUN building expresses a sense of difference and openness despite, or rather because of, its hermetic street presence. Its stark triangular shape, driven by the local zoning laws, is cut by cantilevering entrances on both sides. Everybody is welcome to walk in and visit the garden, which is always open to the public. The building has a sensorial surface texture, inviting visitors to explore its different qualities. Altogether, the concept allows for an extensive mix of spaces — from a cave-like underground gallery with curved concrete walls to white-box galleries with orthogonal geometries above ground — creating a complex that contributes to the city’s cultural topography and diversity.
Visitor’s approach SONGEUN from a busy commercial avenue in Apgujeong and upon entering, discover a vastly different environment. This juxtaposition is emphasised by the diversity of the interior spaces and atmospheres. The team from Herzog & de Meuron developed each of the spaces over a lengthy process with the client, and they say their hope is that people will experience the building’s full potential for both hosting various artistic media and acting as a gathering place. For the architects, the most valuable thing is that the structure will be open for all and become a new public space for people and art to meet in Seoul.
Text / Irene Lam
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Jihyun Jung
Image by Jihyun Jung
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Jihyun Jung
Image by Jihyun Jung
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
Image by Iwan Baan
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