Sometimes architects understand the great creative energy between work and play. Some architects see architecture as a language and some see language as architecture. And some see architecture as a common abstract semaphore, or a sign language, between all people of all ages, cultures, and nationalities.
Here we have a small and remarkable invention – Korable Blocks – designed by Architect Si-Yeon Min, a New York and South Korean architect who studied at Columbia University and worked for 9 years with the firm Ennead (Polshek Partnership Architects) in New York. A game, toy, and puzzle – this series of 4 elegant wood blocks are printed on all sides with basic Korean characters in a compact wood box which are made for teaching children – and also non-Korean speaking folks – ten most basic Korean words as represented in each graphic character.
Courtesy of Si-Yeon Min
Koraeble Block is an interactive tool for learning the Korean alphabet. This is the first hands-on Korean language game of its kind. Korable Blocks, a word play on “Korean syllable,” are made of four wooden blocks hand-printed with Korean alphabet characters. The blocks can be combined to create over 120 single-syllable words including numbers, days of the week, foods, nature words, body parts, and more.
Korable Blocks can be used by parents and teachers to teach children through engaging, puzzle-like game. Children of all ages are challenged to discover more than 120 words of the Korable Block (creative players have found up to 150 words), while parents cherish the one-on-one bonding time that enhances their family relationships.
Courtesy of Si-Yeon Min
Korable blocks, trays, and silk-screened corrugated boxes are handmade in Grand Rapids, Michigan, master block makers at legendary Uncle Goose. There is also a clear and simple hand book in English and Korean on how to use the blocks.
Originally, Si-Yeon Min developed Korable Block for his son to enjoy a creative, fun approach to learning the Korean language. Putting his own curiosity and design skills to use, Si-Yeon Min developed the first prototype out of cereal boxes. After perfecting the design with the help of his design colleagues, Korable Block is now a tangible product that Si-Yeon Min continues to play with his son (who is now a young master of the Korean alphabet).
Courtesy of Si-Yeon Min
Si-Yeon Min has launched his own collaborative startup design firm, Alliedoperations. He has co-awarded numerous prizes from the American Institute of Architects and is author of Interview with Delicious Storm, a groundbreaking short fiction exploring the philosophy of architecture. As a father, Si-Yeon regards Korable Block as his greatest accomplishment to date.
Korable Blocks must be on the desk of every architecture and design school and office. The influence of Chinese characters on international, universal architecture ideas and forms – whether through China, Japan, or Korea – has only just begun. These blocks are ageless, timeless and models for possible new cool-syntax going far beyond the endless, current, world flood of slick blobs and jazzy zigzags.
Courtesy of Si-Yeon Min
The retail Price is $41.00 USD plus shipping and handling – (100% entirely handmade in the USA) – currently only available in the US market through his company Alliedoperations Inc. registered in NYC. Order can be made at http://korableblock.bigcartel.com/