‘Rest Hall’ is a wood-ribbed structure located in an otherwise stark, nondescript building at the University of Seoul. Nicknamed ‘Hole,' the interior of the structure resembles the innards of a whale, with rows of wooden ribs encircling the bulging space. As you enter Rest Hall through its main entrance, its cave-like space surrounds you with the comforting warmth of natural timber rings, with two chambers opening up on either side.
The space contains benches—formed by additional ribs along the walls’ bulging lower section—for busy students to rest. While the structure is comfortable and quiet, it is not completely private however, as people outside it can peak through its window blind-like walls.
Rest Hall was designed by Seoul-based UTAA Studio, which has gained quite a reputation for using both warm wood and industrial materials to craft fashionable, comfortable spaces.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Wood-ribbed Structures
- There is an opportunity to create unique and visually striking interior spaces by using wood-ribbed structures.
- Nature-inspired Interiors
- Designing interior spaces that evoke elements of nature, such as whale belly structures, can create a calming and comforting environment.
- Hybrid Materials
- Integrating warm wood with industrial materials opens up possibilities for creating fashionable and comfortable spaces.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture
- Architects can explore innovative designs by incorporating wood-ribbed structures into their projects.
- Interior Design
- Interior designers can create nature-inspired interiors by incorporating elements that mimic whale bellies or other natural forms.
- Furniture Design
- Furniture designers can experiment with hybrid materials to create fashionable and comfortable pieces for interior spaces.
