Interview about Daebong-dong Commercial Skip Floor Commercial Cafe, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2018
Junghee Lee tried to divide a large floor space into several small spaces. For this purpose, the architect set the basic direction as a skip floor, and it is a two-story building, but it actually became a space of four floors up to the outside deck on the roof. On the same floor, exposed concrete wall was exposed in the middle and divided it into two parts again. The floor and ceiling finish produces contrasting effects. in addition, by installing a skylight, natural light enters the room during the daytime.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsI aimed to enhance the spatial qualities that people experience as they walk through by dividing the area into multiple smaller spaces with varying levels, rather than having one large open space.
I wanted to design The Daebong-dong Commercial Skip Floor Commercial Cafe that naturally blends into Kim Gwangseok's cultural street while expressing its own character. After my first site visit, I felt that the path taken by the singer Kim Gwangseok was naturally connected to the building.
I value the powerful impression that materials themselves convey. I particularly enjoy how the use of two contrasting materials enhances that feeling. These are natural materials that provide people with a pleasing experience effortlessly.
The journey of unknowingly reaching the end of the building is a great way for people to experience its spaces. This approach to building design holds significant meaning for me.
The passage of time can be perceived through the direction and intensity of light entering the interior. The use of skylights, in particular, softens the flow of light, acting as a gentle filter that enhances warmth within the space.
It serves to both extend and separate indoor and outdoor spaces. Unlike simple glass, the wooden louver folding system does not create a complete division; instead, it forms layers that alter the perception of the building, evoking different emotions from inside and outside.
If the building's floor area ratio fully occupies the site, it inevitably results in a structure with a volume that doesn’t harmonize with the old neighborhood. The more empty spaces are incorporated, the more the building blends into and complements the character of the area.
I enjoy hiking in the mountains, and observing the natural combination of trees and rocks has naturally guided me in applying these elements to architecture.
The Daebong-dong Commercial Skip Floor Café project significantly influenced our subsequent architectural approaches and design philosophy at 2m2 Architects. This project underscored the importance of integrating a building seamlessly into its existing urban fabric, especially in historically rich neighborhoods. By opting for a structure that occupied only one-third of the legally permissible floor area ratio, we demonstrated that thoughtful design could create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while maintaining distinct identities. DESIGNBOOMThis experience reinforced our commitment to designing buildings that respect and enhance their context, rather than overwhelming it. We learned that strategic spatial planning, such as employing skip-floor layouts, can maximize functionality and create dynamic, engaging environments within limited footprints. Additionally, the deliberate selection of materials—balancing aesthetics with durability—became a cornerstone of our design philosophy, ensuring that our projects are both visually appealing and enduring.
I believe it will remain in the neighborhood for a long time as a space that is remembered fondly over time, rather than as a building that merely flaunts or shows off.
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