Seoul 2019 – SKNYPL studio has conceived the New Korean Garden, a relaxing inflatable forest for social engagement located on top of the Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture building.

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Emerald semi-transparent baloons with rounded soft shapes are inspired by plants, stones, and hills which form the basis of the theory of harmony in Korean gardens. “However, our project is unusual: it is transformed under the influence of new qualities laid in it by context, time and new events – multifunctionality, flexibility, instagramility, provocation and dialogue, and sustainability.” Explain at Seoul-based studio SKNYPL in a statement.

Functionality sustainability are key concepts as well. The air-filled balloons are made from EFTE, a light, convenient and recyclable synthetic material. The New Korean Garden consists of large, small, even flying elements. The smaller ones are extremely mobile can be easily moved and arranged to create space for lectures or exhibitions.

“The flying elements are filled with helium and communicate even more closely with the city”. Indeed, they can be used for announcements of exhibitions and events, as well as messages from the cultural venue.

At night, the garden creates a new parallel reality as all elements are covered with a pattern of luminous paint. “The New Korean Garden ceases to be inert; it becomes a living organism that changes over time.” Add at SKNYPL.

According to Terminal 7 Architects studio which completed the building in 2015, the roof of the building was “shaped into a space for citizens,” SKNYPL’s garden project tunes with the original values of the new cultural venue aiming to become a space both for residents and visitors of the Hall as well as of the upcoming Seoul Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture which kicks off in September.

All images, courtesy of SKNYPL.

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