Pub. 1 2013 Directory

26 THE MONTANA ARCHITECT | 2013 | www.aia-mt.org Honor Award T he relentless modernization in Korea is far reaching and all encompassing, descending into the deepest recesses of unscathed landscape, the natural scenes so traditionally celebrated are few and far between. Our site, a deep mountain near Hwacheon, is well known for its untouched land, the purity of its air, the clarity of its waters and its deep dark sky. Preservation of this idyllic landscape is sought by an architecture that acts in harmony and becomes part of this natural phenomenon. Resulting from a clear intent to preserve the topography of the site, Lee Oisoo Gallery gently disappears into the landscape by following the unique site conditions. Hosting an entire range of Oisoo’s work, the gallery distinctively responds to the inherently small scale of his pieces by the adoption of spaces 4m in width, rejecting notions of large grandiose spaces so commonly used in gallery design. An asymmetrical courtyard is placed in the centre of the proposal allowing for a clear, continuous circulation around the gallery while creating the opportunity to physically experience the level change inside. This circular path unfolds to host a number of functions including a small theatre for workshops and film screenings, a kiosk for internet use and an exhibition space displaying a vast collection of Oisoo’s personal belongings. The courtyard is intended to be quiet, subtle and allow the facilitation of multiple programs becoming in essence a space inside a space. The architecture present is intended to become an intimate frame, a carefully sculpted human intervention, allowing the perception of light and wind change to be fully experienced. This is further articulated by the provision of a space at the highest end of the building used to combine the experience of the gallery with the surrounding natural beauty. Thus by seeking to draw a parallel between the two, this space can be used to pause and reflect upon the continually changing nature. Lee Oisoo Gallery Project Location: Gangwon-do, Korea Lead Architect: Byoung Soo Cho, AIA Architecture Team: Yong Eun Bae Kyu young Kim Steven Clark Sun Yong Choi Firm: BCHO Architects & Associates 55-7, Sil Bldg 3F Banpo-4dong Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea kangs081@gmail.com