hyuntek yoon's hugging kiosk proposal for chicago architecture biennial

hyuntek yoon’s hugging kiosk proposal for chicago architecture biennial
all visuals courtesy of nooyoon

the ‘hugging’ kiosk is a sculptural competition entry for the 2015 chicago architecture biennial. designed by architect hyuntek yoon from nooyoon, the steel and perforated aluminum construction is shaped by its function; that is as a sculpture, as a small venue for artistic events and seating, as a commercial/service space, and during the cold months, as a heated pavilion and shelter.

installed at the beach  

nooyoon decided on the name based on the kiosk’s shape and intent. bent towards the water, at the southern end of lake michigan, the curved form mimics the contours. also, in its small recess, people can gather and talk while being comfortably ‘hugged’ by the structure. its final reason has a more practical value, by turning the shape yoon was able to drastically reduce the length people need to walk with say, food, from the service window to the seating area.

diagram 

‘hugging’ is easily transportable by truck. the kiosk is preassembled in three parts: the main service volume, a landing, and a stair. the lake front location of millennium park is frequented by runners, bikers, sunbathers, and tourists. yoon sees the design not only as a commercial area, but also a place to share precious summer moments. whether a store, look-out point, or gathering place, ‘hugging’ hugs the space where people enjoy the sunshine and (sort-of) gentle winds of chicago. 

‘hugging’ at night, service window closed  

top view 

plan 

fabrication  

elevation  

the ‘hugging’ kiosk can be broken down and transported in three parts 

seating on the structure 

model, window service

project info:

purpose: competition entry
designer: hyuntek yoon (nooyoon)
program: kiosk
location: chicago, illinois, USA
year: march, 2015

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom