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Architects: H Architecture
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Courtesy of H Architecture
Text description provided by the architects. Winning 1st prize in the international competition for the International Pavilion of Expo 2012 in Yeosu, Korea, the design recalls the unique coastal environment of the city of Yeosu and its relationship with the theme of the expo, ìThe Living Ocean and Coast : Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities.î Referring to the archipelago as the First Nature and the city as the Second Nature, the Third Nature superimposes these dichotomous elements to create the metaphorical archipelago.
Three primary design features implement this concept. The archipelago islands are the inspiration for the Multi-Functioning Tower System that ventilates and illuminates the buildings. These islands also locate circulation cores and create unique double height exhibit spaces. The Smart Living Roof System characterizes the ocean surface from which the islands protrude.
This canopy is composed of solar panels and louvers that sinuously create a layering ripple effect. The building masses that contain the expo exhibitions reference the ocean floor as the Foreshore Ground System. These three elements harmoniously create a sustainable micro ecosystem. In the center of the site, a Digital Gallery is the primary boulevard for visitors and connects the city of Yeosu with the KTX station, a high speed train system in Korea.