The Joyful Church’s vision was to have a design that expressed a strong symbolic Christian message, but that also used traditional Korean symbols in a fusion of architecture, faith and culture.  The location was a 10 acre site in a new town development area of Pohang.  The site had many development challenges including steep, wooded hillsides and strict zoning limitations.

The solution provided a 383,500 SF design that integrated into the landscape with gently flowing lines which wrapped around a large central plaza. Spaces included a 2700-seat sanctuary, 800-seat chapel, cafeteria, cafe, library, fitness facilities, children’s and youth spaces, community services facilities and a 350 car underground parking garage.  Placement of the buildings into the natural hillsides and careful orientation of the windows allowed ample natural light into the spaces while providing greater energy efficiency.  Forms and patterns in the architecture were inspired by traditional Korean crafts and calligraphy, and the use of natural materials and colors further harmonized the entire building into its unique place.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provided a solution to integrate the building into the landscape with gently flowing lines which      wrapped around a large central plaza.                                                                                   
• Applied abstract forms and patterns inspired by traditional Korean symbols in the architecture to      achieve church’s vision to use traditional Korean symbols in the new design with modern functionality.
• Led design team and directed other designers through whole phases.
• Provided a solution to locate two buildings in different zoning districts but maintain a holistic design.
• Developed details and documented SD, DD drawings and packages using Revit.
• Performed presentations to the church congregation for fundraising campaign.
• Led coordination meetings with local architects and consultants.
• Reviewed construction documents from local architect and offered directions.
• Provided design solutions for unforeseen problems during construction.
• Received a Grand Prize from 2015 Church and Culture Award by Kookmin Ilbo, Korea.