The team at YounghanChung Architects creates the design of the Tiny Forest, which is a unique study space in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The building is a flexible and productive design for a retired university lecturer looking for a space away from her home to study and entertain guests. The inspiration stems from traditional Korean homes dubbed sarangbang where the man of the house has a space to entertain guests or practice hobbies.
Founder of the studio Younghan Chung explains the design intention and thought process, stating "Spaces as a hobby space or study have gradually loosened in the frame of housing, and lost the power of their original function. However, the desire to escape from the house and experience a space like a microcosm for oneself is desperate for all of us living in modern times...[so] this building was intended to create a small private room."
Image Credit: Yoon Joon Hwan
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Flexible Study Spaces
- The design of the Tiny Forest study space offers a flexible and productive environment for individuals looking for a space away from home to study or entertain guests.
- Traditional-inspired Designs
- The Tiny Forest study space draws inspiration from traditional Korean homes, providing a unique and culturally rich environment.
- Microcosm Spaces
- The building aims to create a small private room where individuals can escape from their homes and experience a separate, personalized space.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture
- The architectural industry can benefit from incorporating flexible study spaces like the Tiny Forest design into their projects, accommodating the needs of individuals seeking productive and private environments.
- Education
- The education industry can explore the concept of flexible study spaces as a way to provide students and professionals with alternative study environments that promote focus and productivity.
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry can consider incorporating traditional-inspired designs, like the Tiny Forest study space, into their venues to offer unique and culturally immersive experiences for guests.
