The Illusion | OBBA

The Illusion designed by OBBA, Snippets of rush hour in Gangnam. Windows of building cloaked with square curtain-wall building, indifferent faces, people, in dark suits with matching briefcases, waiting for an elevator. They dream of a beach just like the one on their computer screens while putting up with everyday monotony. Dreaming of a fantasy world while carrying on with their repetitive routin.

Tower-type office buildings used to be built solely to be functional. Monotonous buildings failed to meet the rapidly changing needs form sloppy urban landscapes.
Various attempts have been made to create workspaces that deviate from the practical box type to fit the new business culture. Most of these attempts, however, have been made to strengthen the corporate identity of conglomerates. Attempts to renovate smaller office premises are less frequent.

In planning this project, we tried to construct a workspace for optimal efficiency in respecting all conditions and constraints. At the same time, we wanted to create a space where people could discover new experience besides the routine of their lives.

The building has an ‘H’ plane configuration that bridges the CORE ZONE and the PROGRAM ZONE.  From the elevation and section views, the rectangular box seems to be floating on the L-shaped concrete block. F & B program is implemented from first to the fourth floor to facilitate the flow of people. From the fifth to the fifteenth floor which is made up of a rectangular glass box, office program is to be applied.

The masses and space in between have incorporated exposed concrete pierced wall, hexagonal metal panels made of a strong reflective mirror. The dark color of exposed concrete and mirror serves to emphasize the segmented form as well as maximize the sense of space through the strong contrast of materials and colors.
The segmented panels, applied to the walls between the bridges, are intended to provide a unique spatial and visual experience by amplifying the reflection of objects. In addition, the panels assign a strong identity to the building as a welcoming space in the midst of a dull city.

Project Info:
Architects: OBBA
Location: Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Architects in Charge: Sojung Lee & Sangjoon Kwak
Design Team: Sunhee Yoon, Hwanjong Yeo, Daae Kim, Hyunjin Choi
Area: 6636.73 m2
Project Year: 2018
Photographs: Kyungsub Shin
Project Name: The Illusion