Adapting to Local Conditions Across Spaces
This project envisions creating a local ‘village’ in Licheon, South Korea, a city known for its rice and flower farms. Currently facing challenges due to an aging population, Licheon is in need of renewed vitality. To address this, architects propose an experimental cross-cultural facility designed to encourage interaction between diverse cultures within a dynamic ‘cross space’ environment.
Cross-Cultural Concept: NONSPACE is situated at the intersection of the site’s depth, enabling the extension of various functional areas. Unlike a uniform physical space, it is a differentiated experimental area—hence the name “NONSPACE” or “Non Space”. This ‘cross space’ is designed to serve as a spatial platform for local cultural complexes, transcending typical commercial spaces.
Through this design, diverse cultures can naturally integrate, interact, and continuously expand and innovate. The emergence of “cross space” within the architectural depth order promotes multi-dimensional and diverse types of “cross-cultural” experiences.
The building’s unique combination of straw and plain concrete creates an indoor atmosphere reminiscent of a straw grove. Before pouring concrete, bundles of straw are laid on the formwork and soaked with water, allowing the straw to absorb moisture from the concrete. After curing, the formwork and straw bales are removed, but the straw remains embedded within the concrete.
As time passes, this integration allows the atmosphere of the space to evolve naturally with the changes in the straw, giving the area a dynamic and organic feel.
Upon entering the “cross space” at the entrance, visitors experience shifting skies and gentle breezes, along with the sight and sound of flowing water beneath floor gaps. These water features add an auditory dimension to the architectural experience, extending beyond mere visual appeal.
Inside, service areas are positioned on opposite sides, allowing visitors to trace the source of the water sounds. Seasonal changes in the surrounding trees and varied open spaces, enhanced by stone landscaping, create a visually open and inviting atmosphere.
The aroma of food and beverages prepared in the service areas enriches the sensory experience for visitors. As they move through the interior spaces, contrasting elements of nature—openness and enclosure, contraction and expansion, light and shadow—become apparent.
At the end of the nine interconnected spaces, the layered landscapes extend outward, offering a unique visual experience. The rooftop features a pebble walkway paired with the soothing sound of flowing water, inviting visitors to engage all their senses.
Project Drawings
△ Base Schematic Diagram
△ Plan View
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: ON Architecture INC
Area: 428 square meters
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Yoon Joonhwan
Lead Architect: Jung Woongsik
Architects: On Architects Inc., Kim Nam Su, Kim Hyuk Gi
Location: Licheon City, South Korea
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