Urban Lining,
designed by ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
In the heart of Gangdong District, just off the southern end of Gwangjin Bridge, KN Global's new headquarters is rising. Designed by the ZAIRA Architects & Engineers studio under the leadership of architect Lee Kyubin, the building was constructed on a previously unused trapezoidal plot of land.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong district - bird's eye view
Photo by JongOh Kim © ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
Urban Lining location
A building has been erected on a site that has been waiting for years for its transformation, taking full advantage of the natural advantages of the area. The building is located near the busy Cheonho-dong Tool Street, an important transportation hub of the district.Its location provides a scenic view of the Han, one of South Korea's major rivers, and Achasan Mountain.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong district - second floor plan
© ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
KN Global 's new headquarters
KN Global's building was commissioned to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary. The company, a leader in the construction of underground structures and tunnels using tunnel boring machines, chose to implement a project that takes full advantage of the natural advantages of the site. This optimized both construction time and costs, while taking into account potential future expansion.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong district - model.
© ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
The uneven terrain, with a 3.6-meter height difference between the roads at the front and back of the site, made it possible to design an underground parking lot without the need for costly excavation.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong district - diagram.
© ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
space flexibility
and modern construction technologies
The six-story building was designed for a variety of functions, taking into account site conditions. The facades, combining concrete slabs with glazing, were designed to maximize natural light, offering attractive views of the city.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong district - view of the facade.
Photo by JongOh Kim © ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
The varying width of the building at different levels introduces variation in the interior spatial layout. To achieve this effect, advanced construction technologies such as slab-and-column construction, tensile, sliding formwork and steel and concrete columns were used.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong District - view from Cheonho-dong Tool Street
Photo by JongOh Kim © ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
concrete cladding
as the building's main element
The concrete structure visible in the façade is also the inner layer of the building. The 450mm-thick coating permeates all levels of the building - from the walls to the floors to the ceilings, creating a tunnel-like cross-sectional effect that symbolizes the company's identity. Its zigzag course is visible in the elevations at the shorter sides of the building. In addition, during the design process, Lee Kyubin visited tunnel construction sites to get a closer look at the company's work.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong district - view of side elevation.
Photo by JongOh Kim © ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
interior materials and finishes
The interiors were finished with concrete, granite and elements painted with acrylic paint, which introduces a subtle contrast. Visible fixtures on the ceilings emphasize the industrial character of the space, alluding to the precision technology used in the company's operations.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong district - visible installations on the ceilings emphasize the industrial character of the space
photo by JongOh Kim © ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
space layout
The building was planned with functionality and flexibility in mind. The underground level is dedicated to parking, the first floor houses a café, and the second floor is an exhibition space. Offices and conference rooms occupy floors from the second to the sixth floor, providing comfortable working and meeting conditions. A green garden is to be created on the roof.
Urban Lining building in Gangdong district - space conditions
© ZAIRA Architects & Engineers
The name of the building - Urban Lining, or "urban lining " - refers to its relationship with its surroundings, where it fits harmoniously into the urban structure, enriching it with a modern and functional facility.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of ZAIRA Architects & Engineers.
