Located in Yeonsan-dong, Pusan, this building was constructed for the purpose of promoting "Xi," a brand of apartments.

In addition to the standard type of an apartment unit exhibition space (a common practice in Korea to publicize and market prospect constructions), a even larger share of the floor area is allocated as a variable cultural space for the locals, which as a result creates a brand-new building typology: a Housing Cultural Center. As economic forces and cultural activities seem to form complex interrelationships causing our private and public spheres to merge and invade each other, this building comes as a product of these current phenomena.



The focus of our investigation is to create a fluid space that can respond to the "continuously new" situations arising from the dynamic flux of economy and culture, and in the organization of the movement system to correspond to such a space.



This new movement organization is necessary to maintain the existing individuality of the spaces, but at the same time be able to expand/unify them in diverse manners to suit future possible needs. Through this, we may be able to discover a new type of spatial efficiency to actively respond to the present and near-future cultural variances, and subsequently open the possibilities for a progressive culture.

As a result of such spatial and circulatory manipulation, the building mass can be organized into two parts: The 'Cubist Mountains', the under mass, from the first floor parking space to the programs connected on the second floor; and the 'Cubist Cloud,' the over mass, of the 3 floor exhibition space and the programs attached to its 3rd floor. These two masses minimize their contact, and the third in-between space is created to form the large, open, abstract, topographical space. These two elements cast a strong contrast, and the spatial depth, direction and views change in response to one's movements in between them, opening up new programmatic possibilities.

The lower Cubist Mountains form two hills and a valley in between, and are finished with familiar textures and landscaping elements in its interior and exterior, to be experienced as a physical topography. The upper Cubist Cloud is finished with white ceilings and transparent/translucent ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) air cushion skin to minimize materiality and physical presence. Moreover, the ETFE skin is lit when dark, further inducing the upper mass as a light, floating volume.




Project:Xi Gallery
Design Period:2006.11 – 2007.2
Construction Period:2007.3 – 2007.8
Type:Commercial,Public
Location:Pusan, Korea
Site Area:10074.80 ㎡
Site Coverage Area:3613.94 ㎡
Total Floor Area:9400.79 ㎡
Building-to-Land Ratio:35.87%
Floor Area Ratio:93.31%
Building Scope:3F + Piloti
Structure:SC
Finish:Plant box, ETFE, polycarbonate

Architects:Mass Studies
Minsuk Cho, Kisu Park, Joungwon Lee, Hyunseok Jung, Young Kim, Younkyoung Shin, Joonhee Lee, Sanghoon Lee, Seongbeom Mo, Jongseo Kim, Bumhyun Chun, Daewoong Kim, Byungkyun Kim, Songmin Lee, Moonhee Han, Yuseok Heo, Jisoo Kim, Hyunsoo Yeo, Geunmi Ryu, Ranhee Kim

Structural Engineer:TEO Structure
MEP Engineer:HANA Consulting & Engineers
Lighting Engineer:ALTO
ETFE:Makmax Korea
Construction:GS E&C + Eunmin C&C
Client:GS E&C

DRDS in collaboration with Junglim, DMP, Haenglim and A&U have designed the Hwaseong Sports Complex for Hyundai/Samsung Consortium located in Hwaseong, Korea. It is scheduled to open in 2010, including a 35,000 seat soccer, 5000 seat arena and 2000 seat practice field.

Stadiums have significant impact on cities because of their size. We have created a harmonious and fluid design that speaks to the civic aspect of sports architecture, one in which the local community can take great pride in. The building geometry is minimal, creating a sense of abstract artistry that is individual.



The design merges multiple complex programs into a singular vision that is bold. The final composition, with its undulating geometry (emulating the forces of nature), is reminiscent of mountains, rivers and cloud forms. The building aligns Hwaseong beside other great cities by providing an exciting civic landmark.

The program consists of a 35,000 seat stadium for soccer/track + field, 5000 seat arena and 2000 seat practice field. It is a state of the art facility with all of the modern features that represent current trends in Sports architecture.



The building is an architectural showpiece for Hwaseoung, projecting a sophisticated image that transcends sports and creates harmony with the local community and the natural topography surrounding it. The arena and stadium, by their connectivity, create new synergies that are not typical of other sport complexes.

There is a main public plaza to the west of the stadium/arena. It is cradled by the distinct building geometry creating a more contained space. This is an additional advantage of combining the buildings. The enhanced sense of enclosure creates a strong identity as one first approaches the building and also experiences the space. The plaza is activated by retail at the base of the arena and a sunken courtyard that links the plaza with the lower level. A grand ramp originating from the “synergy zone” also unites the plaza with various levels of the site. This area, a place for pre-game events or celebration, is positioned for connectivity with the residential neighborhoods to the west and south. The west plaza also benefit from sunshine throughout most the day. It will be the perfect spot for pre-game activities whether for the stadium or the arena. When there is not a function it will be a pleasant space for those accessing the retail or enjoying the cafe.



The site is surrounded by subtle and undulating mountains that create a natural backdrop for Hwaseoung Stadium. A source of inspiration for the main building, they also inspire the landscape. A critical component to the design of the master plan, it reflects the same harmony and fluidity with nature as the rest of the project. The building and landscape take their cue from each other and the natural setting beyond.

images, Project description courtesy of DRDS

Design Architect: DRDS
Collaborating Korean firms: Junglim Architects + DMP + Haenglim + A&U
Developer/Contractor: Hyundai/Samsung
Client: Hyundai/Samsung Consortium
Cost: $176 million sports complex
Location: Hwaseong City, Korea
Opening: 2010
Program: 35,000 seat soccer stadium, 5000 seat arena, 2000 seat practice field, entertainment + retail