ARCHITECTURE
SEOUL, KOREA: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA
Our submission for the world design competition of the National Museum of Korea interpreted it as a facility that at once respects the spatial relationships and traditions of Korean architecture, and responds to the present age, its needs and aspirations, and cultural evolution.
M&A envisioned the museum as a group of buildings, a "cultural village" rather than an imposing monolithic structure. The design represents a unique blend of Korea's past and future which, executed with authority and grace, intends to evoke a global understanding of its heritage.
The museum's organization in our design follows traditional Korean principles such as southern access, and a north-south axis for spinal circulation between the buildings. Separated from the city by a wall, the museum complex reaches out in all four directions with to the south, a plaza at the foot of a tower representing a modern pagoda; to the north, the Central Hall; to the west, administrative and storage facilities; and to the east, a pond.
The circulation along the courtyard provides access to ancillary facilities such as the cafeteria and coat rooms, and ultimately leads up the steps to the Central Hall in the rear. From the Central Hall, a linear atrium to the east culminates into an indoor "street" accessing the perimeter exhibition galleries placed on four levels.
The perimeter colonnade and open court beyond the main entrance recall the retreats of early Confucian scholars. The soaring tower, representing a modern pagoda, is a symbolic amalgamation of world cultures as well as past and present.
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