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Hwa Won

Hwa Won

Gwangju, South Korea

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Hwa Won

Gwangju, South Korea

Firm

Listen Communication

Type

Cultural › Cultural Center

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2018

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

$10K - 50K

The Asia Culture Center is a public institution that serves as an international cultural hub, offering a space for the exchange, collection, research, production, exhibition, performance, archiving, and distribution of cultural resources. The designer was tasked with creating the lobby and lounge area of the international conference room, a space frequently visited by distinguished national and international guests.

The client requested that the space reflect the traditional identity of Korea, as it would serve as an exhibition venue showcasing the country’s cultural heritage to visitors. Rather than directly incorporating traditional Korean elements, the designer approached the task by creatively reinterpreting the past and present, merging them into a cohesive and modern space. Intangible cultural heritage craft artifacts are displayed alongside contemporary craft objects, many of which the designer co-created with master artisans.

Although the lobby is an open area, the layout evokes the intimate, sheltered feel of a Hanok (traditional Korean house), with a central courtyard that brings a sense of tranquility and cohesion to the space. In the lounge, the seating is arranged to embrace the space, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. As visitors pass through the brass-finished entrance, they encounter a bell from Beopjusa temple, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, created by the master Jucheoljang (an Intangible Cultural Property of Casting). Guests can ring the bell, adding an acoustic layer to the experience. The central area of the lobby is designed to evoke the feeling of a Hanok’s courtyard and can also host cultural events when needed.

A corridor adjacent to the lobby offers a serene space for tea during conferences, with traditional Korean crafts displayed within the table for visitors to enjoy. At the back of the lobby, the lounge exudes a calming atmosphere, enhanced by luxurious materials used for the sofas and tables. The table design evokes the serene qualities of meditative watercolor paintings, while the table lamp offers a modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean fans. A large artwork by Paiksun Kim covers the wall, creating soft light through Hanji (traditional Korean paper), and the shadows cast through the traditional window frame patterns, along with the reflective ceiling, recall the peaceful image of a still pond.

While the space undoubtedly exudes a sense of Korean tradition, it seamlessly blends the old with the new through understated, modern design details. The designer has successfully balanced historical beauty with contemporary sensibilities, creating a harmonious space where visitors can experience Korean traditional culture in a fresh and meaningful way.

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Hwa Won

Gwangju, South Korea

Other Projects by Listen Communication

National Museum of Korea

Hills of Unspoiled Dreams

Seoul Mayor's Office

THE HANOK Seondoljeong

THE HANOK Jeongtaek

Wha Yeon

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Hwa Won

Gwangju, South Korea

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team

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Hwa Won

Gwangju, South Korea

Other Projects by Listen Communication

National Museum of Korea

Hills of Unspoiled Dreams

Seoul Mayor's Office

THE HANOK Seondoljeong

THE HANOK Jeongtaek

Wha Yeon

Immersive Digital Gallery

Christine Chapel

Nampa House

Hwa Won

Gwangju, South Korea

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team