Dense urban metropolises like Seoul tend to be intensely busy, so Cornerstone 1-532 stands as a visual respite in an otherwise distracting neighborhood. The gentle, monolithic mixed-use building is designed to serve as a neutral backdrop, calming the neighborhood in which it sits thanks in large part to its mere presence.
Cornerstone 1-532, which was created by Leehong Kim Architects, is a mixed-used development with four storeys. The ground floor consists of a studio space for artists, while the upper floors are split between spaces for businesses and residences.
One of the most appealing aspects of the building is its curved facade. Since it sits at a key commercial node in the upper class residential area, that curve serves to offset the bright, angular features of the surrounding buildings.
Image Credit: Kyung Sub Shin
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Curved Architecture
- Designing curved architecture for buildings can create a visual respite and offer a unique experience to customers.
- Mixed-use Buildings
- Creating mixed-use buildings can allow for spaces that serve multiple functions leading to efficient utilization of resources and cost-saving opportunities.
- Neutral Backdrops
- Designing buildings to serve as neutral backdrops can offer a calm environment in busy urban areas.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture
- Architects can explore opportunities to design buildings that have a curved facade, serve multiple purposes, and have a calming presence.
- Real Estate
- Creating mixed-use buildings in busy urban areas can offer profitable opportunities to real estate developers.
- Art and Design
- Mixed-use buildings that include studio spaces for artists can promote creative activities and create a vibrant community.
