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Apgujeong Elementary School Auditorium
Apgujeong Elementary School Auditorium
Seoul, South Korea
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Other Projects by IDR Architects
Apgujeong Elementary School Auditorium
Seoul, South Korea
Firm
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2018
SIZE
10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft
BUDGET
Undisclosed
Beginning with Structure
Designing a multipurpose auditorium requires a different approach from conventional architecture, particularly in terms of scale and spatial format. A column-free volume measuring approximately 30 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 8 meters in height is a rare spatial condition—and naturally, structural strategy became the starting point of the project.
While simultaneously preparing proposals for two auditorium competitions, we sought to break away from the uniform models commonly found in existing school buildings. Instead, we explored how distinct structural systems could be expressed and how natural light might enrich the spatial experience.
At Apgujeong Elementary, we enveloped the upper part of the concrete exterior walls with translucent polycarbonate panels, forming clerestory windows that make the expansive roof appear to float. Inside, this creates a space filled with soft, diffused daylight—a bright and lively environment. The original plan featured a concrete waffle slab, an uncommon yet structurally clear system in Korea. However, due to budget constraints after winning the competition, it was replaced with a standard lightweight steel roof with minimal slope in both directions.
An Origami-Inspired Facade
The building’s facade draws inspiration from paper folding. Subtle variations in surface angles respond to light to create delicate shadows and textures. The number and position of these folds were carefully adjusted to avoid excessive complexity or monotonous repetition.
Departing from past tendencies to scatter primary colors in hopes of stimulating creativity, we chose instead to emphasize the raw character of the materials—even if slightly rough—to create unexpected architectural experiences within the everyday environment of a school. The irregular concrete block was selected to harmonize with the earthy tones of the adjacent playground.
Seen from outside, the polycarbonate band horizontally divides the auditorium. From a child’s perspective, it softens the otherwise imposing presence of the irregular brickwork below. If the base can be read as an extension of the ground, the translucent upper volume blends subtly with the sky. Although only the longer sides of the auditorium are open to the exterior (the shorter sides are occupied by the stage and entry hall), the clerestory design continues on all four elevations for consistency.
Rainwater downpipes were concealed between the structure and insulation layer, particularly behind columns in the polycarbonate sections. Since these are exposed to outdoor air despite being positioned internally, dedicated metal plates were added to induce condensation and prevent moisture problems.
Plan Constraints and Design Experiments
The plan and zoning left little room for deviation from the standard guidelines. To allow for a future cafeteria extension, the ground floor was left as a pilotis, with the auditorium and entrance hall placed on the second floor, and the bridge connection to the main building and restrooms on the third.
We originally planned a transparent polycarbonate wall between the auditorium and the third-floor bridge to offer glimpses of the activities inside. Unfortunately, this was constructed as opaque during the building phase when we were not involved in site supervision, and was later completely blocked by a masonry wall for safety reasons. This was a regrettable departure from the original intent.
The folded facade geometry, forming a zigzag in plan, has been an ongoing theme in earlier projects. Apgujeong Elementary’s auditorium is the first built realization of that idea. While it was initially meant to overcome leftover spaces and offer users a sense of ownership, in this case it simply adds character to the circulation area surrounding the standard court markings. This design approach might be better suited to larger, more public spaces, especially when combined with purpose-designed furniture.
Materials, Color, and Signage
Both the irregular concrete blocks and the polycarbonate panels are uncommon materials in school architecture. We gained the school’s support through multiple rounds of material review meetings and made sure to push for their inclusion in specifications and documentation.
Interior elements like acoustic panels and safety flooring offered limited choices, but we selected deep, neutral greys to match the exposed ceiling structure. For the staircase and entrance hall, we maintained a monochromatic base but added a carefully chosen soft green on a single wall as an accent. As a result, aside from the natural tones of the materials, this is the only chromatic element used throughout the building.
Rather than hide restroom signage, we enlarged it deliberately, allowing it to function as a graphic element. This was not originally within the project scope, but since it made a meaningful impact at minimal cost, we included it in the design documents via an added quote from the contractor. A similar approach to color and signage was applied in the auditorium for Unbuk Middle School, which was developed in parallel.
Architecture as Unfinished Work
The auditorium as photographed today does not represent its final form. The pilotis is intended to house a future cafeteria, and another firm had already completed the construction documents by the time we reached completion. While it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be, one thing is clear: a coherent and well-executed result will depend on the client’s commitment to carrying the original design intent through to the end.
Designing a multipurpose auditorium requires a different approach from conventional architecture, particularly in terms of scale and spatial format. A column-free volume measuring approximately 30 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 8 meters in height is a rare spatial condition—and naturally, structural strategy became the starting point of the project.
While simultaneously preparing proposals for two auditorium competitions, we sought to break away from the uniform models commonly found in existing school buildings. Instead, we explored how distinct structural systems could be expressed and how natural light might enrich the spatial experience.
At Apgujeong Elementary, we enveloped the upper part of the concrete exterior walls with translucent polycarbonate panels, forming clerestory windows that make the expansive roof appear to float. Inside, this creates a space filled with soft, diffused daylight—a bright and lively environment. The original plan featured a concrete waffle slab, an uncommon yet structurally clear system in Korea. However, due to budget constraints after winning the competition, it was replaced with a standard lightweight steel roof with minimal slope in both directions.
An Origami-Inspired Facade
The building’s facade draws inspiration from paper folding. Subtle variations in surface angles respond to light to create delicate shadows and textures. The number and position of these folds were carefully adjusted to avoid excessive complexity or monotonous repetition.
Departing from past tendencies to scatter primary colors in hopes of stimulating creativity, we chose instead to emphasize the raw character of the materials—even if slightly rough—to create unexpected architectural experiences within the everyday environment of a school. The irregular concrete block was selected to harmonize with the earthy tones of the adjacent playground.
Seen from outside, the polycarbonate band horizontally divides the auditorium. From a child’s perspective, it softens the otherwise imposing presence of the irregular brickwork below. If the base can be read as an extension of the ground, the translucent upper volume blends subtly with the sky. Although only the longer sides of the auditorium are open to the exterior (the shorter sides are occupied by the stage and entry hall), the clerestory design continues on all four elevations for consistency.
Rainwater downpipes were concealed between the structure and insulation layer, particularly behind columns in the polycarbonate sections. Since these are exposed to outdoor air despite being positioned internally, dedicated metal plates were added to induce condensation and prevent moisture problems.
Plan Constraints and Design Experiments
The plan and zoning left little room for deviation from the standard guidelines. To allow for a future cafeteria extension, the ground floor was left as a pilotis, with the auditorium and entrance hall placed on the second floor, and the bridge connection to the main building and restrooms on the third.
We originally planned a transparent polycarbonate wall between the auditorium and the third-floor bridge to offer glimpses of the activities inside. Unfortunately, this was constructed as opaque during the building phase when we were not involved in site supervision, and was later completely blocked by a masonry wall for safety reasons. This was a regrettable departure from the original intent.
The folded facade geometry, forming a zigzag in plan, has been an ongoing theme in earlier projects. Apgujeong Elementary’s auditorium is the first built realization of that idea. While it was initially meant to overcome leftover spaces and offer users a sense of ownership, in this case it simply adds character to the circulation area surrounding the standard court markings. This design approach might be better suited to larger, more public spaces, especially when combined with purpose-designed furniture.
Materials, Color, and Signage
Both the irregular concrete blocks and the polycarbonate panels are uncommon materials in school architecture. We gained the school’s support through multiple rounds of material review meetings and made sure to push for their inclusion in specifications and documentation.
Interior elements like acoustic panels and safety flooring offered limited choices, but we selected deep, neutral greys to match the exposed ceiling structure. For the staircase and entrance hall, we maintained a monochromatic base but added a carefully chosen soft green on a single wall as an accent. As a result, aside from the natural tones of the materials, this is the only chromatic element used throughout the building.
Rather than hide restroom signage, we enlarged it deliberately, allowing it to function as a graphic element. This was not originally within the project scope, but since it made a meaningful impact at minimal cost, we included it in the design documents via an added quote from the contractor. A similar approach to color and signage was applied in the auditorium for Unbuk Middle School, which was developed in parallel.
Architecture as Unfinished Work
The auditorium as photographed today does not represent its final form. The pilotis is intended to house a future cafeteria, and another firm had already completed the construction documents by the time we reached completion. While it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be, one thing is clear: a coherent and well-executed result will depend on the client’s commitment to carrying the original design intent through to the end.
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