Interview about I Park The Urban Complex Cultural Space , winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2023
The project is the largest business-commercial-cultural complex in Seoul and is the world's first project by a large Swedish furniture brand to enter the capital. The work facilities, which account for a large portion of the program, were conducted with the first live-office concept in line with the lifestyle change due to the pandemic. It is planned as an independent work and residential space, and one-stop all-around services such as culture, leisure, shopping, and food are possible, enabling independent life.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe pandemic-created telecommuting trend has highlighted the need for a flexible hybrid space that naturally fuses work and housing. As a result, the design is designed to combine multifunctional layouts, dedicated workspaces, and the comfort of housing into one. Enhanced ventilation systems, contactless technologies, and wellness-focused amenities address health concerns, and collaborative spaces strengthen communities. This approach reimagines productivity while meeting the changing needs of modern professionals.
The vision of I Park The Urban complex cultural space was inspired by a global change to unified urban life. Recognizing a modern society with a growing demand for convenience and connectivity, we envisioned a space where culture, leisure, shopping, and food services naturally converge, and this concept reflects changing urban life patterns where work, leisure, and everyday needs are interconnected. By creating a dynamic ecosystem that promotes community participation and enriches everyday life, it fulfills the efficiency and balance that modern people need and redefines the urban life experience.
I Park The Urban's geothermal system leverages stable underground temperatures to reduce energy consumption and provide efficient heating and cooling. At the same time, solar panels utilize renewable energy to power essential operations and minimize reliance on fossil fuels. This dual approach halves the carbon footprint compared to similar projects and ensures long-term sustainability. This integration reflects our commitment to green innovation and sets a new benchmark for urban complex cultural spaces.
"Big Box and Downtown Village" harmonized between architectural minimalism and complex programming requirements. "Big Box" provides an integrated and concise structure that efficiently accommodates a variety of features, while "Downtown Village" promotes community interaction through people-centric elements and intimate spaces. With strategic zoning, modular placement, and multifunctional space design, flexibility is achieved without visual confusion, and this approach combines simplicity and functionality to create a dynamic yet integrated environment that celebrates both shape and human connection.
It is the first urban-style store in Korea by IKEA, a global furniture company, and its key design is an organic link between IKEA’s anchor retail and complex culture space. It considered the composition of IKEA on the back of the building, underground marts, and a huge loading system for shopping malls, and the proportion of the entire building with a blue box symbolizing IKEA on the front.
I Park the Urban complex comes from a complete integration of live office functionality and sophisticated design. I believe buyers especially sympathized with the adaptive layout that meets their work and personal needs. High-end materials, coworking spaces, and wellness facilities enhance the appeal. This holistic approach that encompasses all elements of urban life is a deeply relatable space for modern buyers seeking flexibility, convenience, and a well-rounded lifestyle in one space.
To achieve harmony between the components of the lifestyle village and the office in the form of a bridge, a systematic approach was adopted. To strategically position the village and office to construct a balanced mass and to strengthen the cityscape and connectivity, we introduced openings and glass elements. The gradual transition between volumes induces a natural gaze on the user, and the green and connecting paths are blurred to smooth out the boundaries. This approach balances functionality and aesthetic elements, creating a dynamic environment where work and lifestyle spaces are harmoniously integrated.
Clay-based ceramics and tiles used in the I Park The Urban complex cultural space were chosen for their sustainability and long-term functionality. These materials were chosen for their durability, low maintenance costs, and eco-friendly production processes that minimize carbon emissions. Not only does the ceramic's natural aesthetics blend seamlessly into indoor and outdoor spaces in harmony with the project's design philosophy, but its excellent insulation performance increases energy efficiency, and its high durability ensures long-term use. This careful material choice reflects the will to create a sustainable and timeless architectural environment.
I Park The Urban complex cultural space is poised to redefine urban development in Seoul’s eastern economic hub by setting a precedent for integrated, multifunctional spaces. This project blends culture, commerce, and community, demonstrating how mixed-use developments can enhance urban vitality. Its innovative design prioritizes sustainability, connectivity, and human-centric spaces, inspiring future developments to adopt similar approaches. By fostering economic growth and social engagement, I Park The Urban is more than a landmark—it is a blueprint for creating dynamic and sustainable urban environments.
Rather than a formative emphasis, the priority was to create a village that was approached from a lifestyle point of view and composed of simple chunks of various programs with a safe artificial environment. We carefully planned the movement system so that various lifestyle programs could be placed in a simple and large space to form a village and intuitively explore various spaces from commercial to cultural spaces. The smooth transition of indoor and outdoor spaces reflects an inclusive approach to increase usability and connect communities, transforming everyday activities into curated experiences of urban life where users are more comfortable and immersive.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
