Mecanoo has released new images of the Namdeamun Office Building in the city of Seoul, South Korea. The Namdeamun Office Building is located next to the ancient southern gate to the city of Seoul, the Namdeamun Market is the oldest and largest market in South Korea. Mecanoo transformed the historic Namdeamun Market by using a monochrome mesh pattern in the facade contrasting to the existing context. The building’s facade is a reinterpretation of window from traditional Korean houses. 

The Namdeamun Office Building rises at the corner of the street, presenting colourless iconic view.

Since its beginnings as a government managed marketplace in 1414, it has become an important 24-hour destination for trade and a popular tourist attraction. The market’s history and regional traditions informed the design for a contemporary office building, connecting past and present. The role of the frame extends beyond decoration, continuously creating different atmospheres, filtering incoming light and making shadows across the interior spaces.

North facade of the Namdeamun Office Building- transparency provides maximum visibility for the offices from the street.

Maximising the land allocation, the slim 14-floor building sits elegantly on a corner plot opposite the market. Its restrained monochromatic appearance acts as a counterbalance to the colourful frenzy of the market’s nonstop activity. 

Entrance of Namdeamun Office Building is emphasised by its setting at the corner.  

The relationship between the building and its surroundings reflects the passing of time, changing from day to night. During the day the facade material reflects the sun light, whereas in the night, the building glows from within, revealing its characteristic facade pattern to the market and beyond. 

Mecanoo's very slim and naive structure presents an emblematic view within historical houses, providing maximum light and transparency. The Namdeamun Office Building is expected to be finished later this year. 

Restaurant entrance is presented by full of transparency to interact with public.

Axonometric view with structural system.

Project Facts

Size: 5,900 m2

Status: Ongoing

Project Design: 2014-2015

Project Realisation: 2015-2016

Client: Heungkuk Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

Address: 17-42 Namdaemun-ro 4-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Programme: 14-floor building with offices and retail

Coordinates: 37.561349, 126.977767

All images courtesy of Mecanoo

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