Unless you live under a rock, you know that the South Korean musician Psy has been inspired by the elite district of Seoul and he has explained the essence of ’’Gangnam style’’ committedly. Thus, in order to refresh your memory and impressions of this part of the world, may we present to you the recently renovated Chungha building.
The team of the Rotterdam-based architecture and urban design practice MVRDV has revived the exterior of this 1980’s building and extended the roof of a 2.820 m2 boutique. Windows of various sizes and orientations were placed on the facade adorned with the Italian mosaic tiles, so that the passer-bys get an unusual window-shopping experience. Furthermore, these large glass panels are filled with the transparent posters that increase advertising opportunities. That being said, they also provide the clients of the two plastic surgery practices (located on the upper floors) with discretion.
As icing on the cake, the 10% addition on the top floor will be transformed into a café with outside terraces and it will enrich the content of the building. This creative transformation is the epitome of a successful adaptation to the quarter that is changing its appearance rapidly.
July 18, 2013
Pforzheim University
Parsons
Design Academy Eindhoven
Design Skolen Kolding
LOFT 42
World Architecture Festival
