SPACE Jun 2024 (No. 679)
What sets an architect’s workspace apart from a typical work environment? Often, the elements of the workspace are driven by the unique demands of the architectural industry. An atelier goes beyond the notion of a place for meetings and administration; it requires specific equipment and spaces devised for design and production. In response, each studio may segment or merge various functions to foster better communication and collaboration among team members, thus enhancing efficiency. The key here is how these spaces are uniquely tailored—different methods but the same foundational needs. SPACE asked 20 domestic ateliers about their desires for their ideal workspaces, changes in office layouts responding to shifts in the industry, and their unfulfilled initiatives. Their responses, as varied and striking as their design styles, prompt us to reconsider what an atelier truly means to architects.
Q3. Are there any architectural ideas in your current office that you regret not realising? What are the reasons behind it?
Doojin Hwang Architects We wish to have an exhibition space at the cross where our office meets the city. The main entrance lacks space for this, and the opposite side faces a park, so we’ve been hesitant. However, we plan to try using digital monitors in the future. Additionally, having pedestrian access from the park side would be convenient and preferable. There are no legal issues, but we have restrained ourselves due to potential complaints from the public.
SKM Architects It would have been better if we could provide a larger and more comfortable dining or kitchen area proportional to the increased number of staff for lunches or shared meals. The first and second floors have floor heating systems, and the basement has an HVAC system. It would have been more comfortable if the basement also had floor heating. There’s one basement level, but a second basement floor would have been useful for a model-making room or storage for samples.
ONE O ONE architects ONE O ONE architects occupies a building with five floors, but only two floors can be organically connected. If we could design the space for ONE O ONE architects in the future, I would like to expand the role of the staircases to make the space more organically volumetric.
THE_SYSTEM LAB Our Bundang office was intended to operate as a factory-like office where manufacturing and design coexist. However, preparations for the necessary equipment and space have been consistently disrupted by work schedules, and more than a decade has passed. Since last year, we resumed preparations and have established a production workshop in the Bundang office, which is now fully operational, and we are expecting new outcomes.
On architects Our office is still a work in progress. Due to practical reasons, we’re slowly building it one piece at a time based on a master plan whenever opportunities arise. We plan to gradually complete a materials laboratory, a multi-purpose atrium, and a courtyard space, aiming to run cultural programmes linked to the community.
TRU Architects Lighting; when designing the office, I overlooked its importance as I was still a newbie architect. Comfortable lighting that is easy on the eyes and mellow when looking at each other is something we plan to implement soon.
KYWC Architects We wanted to have an open space from the basement to the third floor, but the limited building area of 59.4m2 on a 99m2 plot made it impossible. Instead, we gave the basement a generous ceiling height and used folding doors on the parking side to enjoy an expanded space on the first floor.
Urban Empathy Architects’ Cooperative This is a very practical point, but as an old wooden house with inadequate insulation, it’s really cold in winter. Initially, a cup of water left on the desk would freeze by the next morning. The exposed gabled roof frame makes heating more challenging, and we once thought of making a movable ceiling using wire and fabric just for the winter months. However, as our minds turned to other things with each spring, it has remained unchanged.
AND I envisioned a water feature in the courtyard to reflect the sky and surrounding scenery. Crossing this water feature to enter the atelier was meant to be a journey in itself, a beautiful and profound passage to something deeper. However, it hasn’t been realised yet due to budgetary constraints.
MASS STUDIES I believe we have extracted the maximum potential of the space with the utmost effort within the limited site. Of course, due to size constraints, there are endless aspects that are regrettable in terms of usability, but we are continuously adjusting and using it according to the scale. In a way, being limited prevents our capacity from growing indefinitely, which I think is beneficial because it defines the architecture by its scale. We have no intention of growing excessively.
a round architects While architectural attempts have been implemented, there is a need for further improvement in the method of active lighting. The front road faces south, and we use mirrors on the exterior windows to bring light deep inside through the internal windows. This aspect may need improvement regarding the angle and width of the mirrors, as well as their cleanliness.
SIE:Architecture Despite being built in the 1980s, the building had a strong and well-balanced structure that did not require any structural modifications, so we couldn’t redesign the layout or façade, which is somewhat regrettable. However, the building already possesses a harmonised uniqueness and is being well used according to the user’s intentions. The regret remains, however, that the floor areas aren’t large, leaving service areas like bathrooms and utility rooms cramped, and especially, due to managerial and economic considerations, we regret not being able to properly equip the outdoor spaces.
a.co.lab architects Considering we spend as much time here as in our homes, there’s a side to the office that has overlooked habitability while focusing on functionality. I’m not sure if the problem is the lack of storage or our inability to discard things, but it’s true that there was insufficient consideration of storage space. Over time, too many things have accumulated in the space.
Leehong Kim Architects I can imagine an ideal design process where buildings are conceived while being built, far beyond the limited dimensions of a computer screen. I dream of a workshop environment where physical models or spaces that can be experienced by the eye, mind, or body are actually constructed. I trained in such an environment before opening my own practice, but at this point, while establishing the foundation of the office in downtown Seoul, it remains a bucket list.
Samuso Hyoja Adapting to whatever comes is our motto, so there isn’t anything particularly regrettable. Rather, there are many advantages as a space that was once single has now been divided into three separate areas.
DIA Architecture Another point of regret is our inability to reveal the structural characteristics externally due to the very small site, which limited the floor area.
SHIN Architects We wanted to create external spaces with various depths and characteristics and that use landscaping elements more actively. We considered options like greenhouses or atriums, but the small size of the site made it difficult. We are still pondering how to better use balconies and terraces.
Lifethings A mezzanine floor that could be raised or lowered as needed using a counterweight system. We encountered opposition that prevented its realisation.
Q4. Will there be another kind of workspace in the future? What does your dream workspace look like?
Doojin Hwang Architects It would be difficult to find a location and environment like this anywhere else, so I think it’s best to improve what we currently have. Integrating the physical and mobile environments closely to enable easy working from anywhere is important. Humanity has made incredible progress in this respect. It’s best to work in a good environment and then have a short commute home after work rather than lingering at the office.
ONE O ONE architects I envision a village where various artists gather. ONE O ONE architects has a space near Gwanghwamun Gate capable of hosting lectures and exhibitions, which used to be the building used by domus Korea editorial. We plan to activate this space further in the future.
THE_SYSTEM LAB I have imagined having several workspaces scattered along Seoul Subway Line 2 (since it is circular) rather than one large office. Although these spaces would be spread out, they would be just a few subway stops apart, allowing for easy collaboration. This setup envisions a system of workspaces within a community that coexists within the city but has slightly different cultures according to the neighbourhood context, sharing ideas among them. Therefore, I would like to continue developing the concept of specialised small offices.
On architects The future is truly unpredictable. Although it might seem impractical, I would like to move deeper into nature and set up a workspace there. I imagine a workspace where the architectural experiments of On architects can be spatially experienced.
TRU Architects A summer office concept, where all staff relocate to a regional location during the summer and return in early autumn. I am currently researching regional activation, and having such an office would add a living experience to our proposals.
Urban Empathy Architects’ Cooperative Our office’s fundamental premise is that it’s difficult to think beyond Huam-dong where we currently reside. I’m living a life with a close work-life proximity, walking to and from work with my dog within about five minutes. I dream of a future where workspaces and living spaces are integrated within one building.
AND Instead of setting up a new space, I aim to refine what we currently have. This involves enhancing the landscaping and upgrading the interior finishes, furniture, and lighting to a higher quality. My ultimate goal is to craft a space that feels slightly secretive and mystical, where architects enjoy working, clients are deeply impressed, and together, we can explore new creative possibilities.
MASS STUDIES I do not wish to start completely from scratch. It would be ideal to grow gradually based on the current space, drawing upon the urban fabric of alleys that have varying elevations. Instead of having all functions within a single building, I can imagine a naturally dispersing method according to spatial needs.
JMY architects My dream is to create a building or a creative centre where various industries that support each other can come together.
a round architects At a round architects, we design and produce accessories that complement the building’s features, using materials like metal, wood, ceramics, and leather that come into contact with the human body. We’ve thought it would be nice to have a workshop nearby that could connect with these crafts. If there’s another workspace different from the office, I hope it includes such a craft workshop.
mundoehoje As a one-person office, I believe that an open network and a flexible structure are key. Whether another workspace will be set up in the future is uncertain, but the desired office would not be a single large space focused in one place but rather several small spaces flexibly connected within a walkable area. In that respect, I hope to keep the current office and expand it by using various local spaces.
SIE:Architecture Our office members have worked together for a long time. Although the office is currently led by the principal architect, we look forward to a day in the near future when each prepared member can undertake projects under their own name and responsibility and collaborate with each other. I hope their synergy will create diversity and their combined efforts will generate greater energy. At some point not too far off, the currently separated two masses will be integrated in some way. I look forward to the office being reshaped into a shared workspace that coexists as both our office and my personal workspace.
a.co.lab architects The future is uncertain, so there might be another workspace, but, if possible, I would like to stay here for a long time. Like people and homes, it’s hard to separate the office’s identity from its location. Unless the identity changes, this place feels right for now.
Samuso Hyoja In the short term, I would like to rent a room in Kyoto within the next 1 – 2 years. If we can organise a system for remote work and checking construction documents, I believe it won’t be necessary to draw up detailed designs within the office itself. It may still be a bit of a stretch, but it might soon be feasible. If each employee could work from Kyoto for 1 – 2 weeks per year, their enhanced perspective and experience would benefit project planning. If I were to entertain an ideal, one day I’d like to use separated spaces on the ground floor of a quiet village alley for an office, with meeting rooms, a café, workspaces, a bar, and a lounge all facing a living street, creating a collection of workspaces open to the village. Just thinking about it feels good.
DIA Architecture Currently, our office is on the third floor, but if given another opportunity to choose an office location, being on the first floor might prompt us to consider spatial configurations not just internally but also in terms of engagement with the city.
SHIN Architects It’s been just over a year since we moved, and there are still areas that need to be fixed and furnished. I believe that by gradually building each part, it will eventually become the workspace our of dreams. While we strive to design and arrange everything perfectly when we work, ultimately, I think a space is truly completed by the people who use it.
Lifethings It would be ideal to add a fabrication space with a woodshop, robot shop, and small personal areas. Half joking, half serious, we talk about operating the office lounge as a tiny craft beer pub at night.
