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Architects: IARC Architects
- Area: 6 (Site)
- Year: 2010
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Photographs:Youngchae Park
Text description provided by the architects. Goals of the project: Maximizing building energy performance, Top Grade Korean Energy Conservation Standard Special considerations: Harmony with Context (nearby old palace) Unique design requirements: Distant statement for the Institute
The Asan Institute for Policy Studies is a three story building with a simple square glass form. This minimal form proceeds from the project's location and proximity to the traditional Kyonghi Palace. Compared to the simple overall form of the exterior, the interior of the building has a dynamic energy that emerges from the bold free form atrium from the entry level to the four story high atrium. The building's circulation is completely encapsulated in the atrium so that the users of the building cross through this area. The atrium is placed in the middle of the building allowing sunlight to come in, as well as natural ventilation to flow throughout the building. The 250mm flat slab is supported with the free curved atrium frame and steel mullion around the buildings perimeter.
All the plumbing and electric lines as well as the air supply goes through the raised floor and the ceiling is made of exposed concrete. First floor where the lobby is located is open to the public with a gallery, cafe, and a small theater with 140 seats. Towards the top of the building, users of the building can travel up the atrium bridge out to the roof garden where they can see the Kyonghi Palace and a grand view of the city of Seoul.
Even though the building itself is restrained with a simple form, the central space of the free form surprises the visitors with a strong statement representing the Institutes ambitious mission.
