SPACE April 2024 (No. 677)
©Roh Kyung
The four recent works explored with Cho Yoonhee (principal, GUBO Architects) and Hong Jihak (professor, Chungnam National University) for this FRAME are all located in different urban contexts within Seoul. Although they are quite different in terms of their uses and zoning, they all take on different expressions in their locations, creating unique scenes within our city’s everyday spaces. Their works seem to have stood there for a long time, but the new framework of relationships that has been meticulously and intelligently constructed by the two architects (hereinafter GUBO) reveals the possibility of creating change by slowly interacting with one’s surroundings. All of the projects have clearly resulted from sustained thought and practice aimed at a good architectural solution for the given conditions and at solid construction using everyday materials. Completed with clever strategic thinking and sincerity, their works quietly set a new benchmark for this corner of the city. GUBO’s direction is clear, as implied by the fact that they came close to naming their office ‘Appropriate Architecture’. Appropriateness, which means ‘the quality of being suitable or proper in the circumstances’ provides a clue to understanding the tone and achievements of their work. Let’s note that it defines a relative value, not an absolute value, with a reference point.
Ichon Coworking Office before remodeling ©Roh Kyung |
Ichon Coworking Office after remodeling ©Roh Kyung |
Won Buddhism Yeoksam Temple before remodeling |
Won Buddhism Yeoksam Temple after remodeling |
