Following an international architecture competition, Snøhetta together with local partner Tomoon Architects and Engineers have won the bid to design the new city hall in Cheongju, South Korea. The new facilities embrace an ethos of community and integration between the government and its citizens.
For smooth operation and open communication between departments, administrative spaces are consolidated under one roof. The design addresses the currently scattered nature of governmental offices by bringing all parties into one holistic space.
The roof and facade are formed with a combination of translucent and opaque panels to convey an ethereal quality that connects the inner-workings of the "machine" to the public on the outside. Moreover, photovoltaics provide a renewable source of energy while the the laminated glazing throughout provides an ample offering of natural light.
The new building wraps around the existing city hall, which will now serve as the entrance "portal" to the new campus. The design also offers a slew of new cultural spaces for the public including exhibition ares, a library, an auditorium, and amenities such as restaurants, cafes, childcare facilities, and a post office. The new Cheongju City Hall is due for completion in 2025.
2 Comments
The existing city hall presents a challenge. It is a modest structure, not especially exceptional in any way. I assume, however, it has some cultural and historical significance. There isn't much for Snøhetta to pick up and reinforce. Their design gives us something else instead, and at the same time respects and frames the older building without overpowering it. And we're getting a different message about people and their government without losing sight of the past.
I do like this.
Very nice.
It goes to show demolition is not the best choice for all things new.
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