South Korean architecture firm Mass Studies reinterprets new understandings of space within today's hyper-dense urban systems. Located in Seoul, Korea—one of the world's largest cities, with nearly half of the country's population residing in the capital area—Mass Studies functions within the unique setting of rapid urban and cultural development where “new” is constant, yet always transforming.Mass Studies founder Minsuk Cho observes these continuous changes and works to assert the traditional gregariousness embedded in Korean culture. Embracing spontaneous collisions between private and public space, and emphasizing the experience of collective intimacy, Cho even employs in-house cooks so everyone in the office can share their lunch together.Today, we take a brief look at Daum Space. 1, Mass Studies’ recently completed project and the first building of four designed for Korea's largest IT company Daum and their extensive relocation to Jeju Island. Surrounded by Mount Halla, the five-story building reflects the natural environment with smooth exteriors and interiors that mimic the island's volcanic atmosphere. Glass-walled offices and multi-themed meeting rooms promote the organic productivity Daum strives for in its dramatic move from a metropolitan city environment to the serenity of an island. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and recreational facilities, the building’s structure emulates a free-flowing productivity that coincides with its ambient surroundings.Photos by Kyungsub Shin.
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Korean Architecture Company Constructs Collective Intimacy: Meet Mass Studies
Mass Studies’ founder Minsuk Cho shows us his recent project, Daum Space.1, located on Jeju Island.