red brick and steel framework composes millac the market in south korea

Millac The Market stands along Gwangalli Beach in Busan

LJL Architects and 2K1 Architecture collaborate on the construction of Millac The Market, located on the eastern side of Gwangalli Beach in Busan, South Korea. The site has undergone extensive urbanization since the inception of the reclamation project in the 1980s. Initially remaining as an empty lot following landfilling, the structure stands amidst towering high-rises serving as a communal hub within the heart of the city. With its southern edge adjacent to the sea, the site boasts the closest view of the Gwangan Bridge, rendering it a natural choice for high-rise development and pre-sale ventures. However, the project follows the position’s potential to unlock alternative spatial values through the creation of low-rise horizontal landmarks and a strong sense of publicness becoming a focal point of the area.

Diverging from the conventional coastal commercial establishments that dominate the seascape, the project deliberately celebrates open space resulting in a remarkable contrast against the surrounding towering edifices. The low-rise structures are carefully positioned to preserve the nearby residential areas’ views of the sea setting up a distinctive urban panorama. To capture the essence of the local culture, the project embraces the memories of the former fish market and street vendors nearby.

all images by Joonhwan Yoon

red brick shapes up the warehouse’s main volume

The circular form of the warehouse emerges as a fitting motif to create a sense of openness while seamlessly integrating with the urban fabric of the Busan Port waterfront. The warehouse’s roof is divided into three distinct sections while the building’s simple and compact mass accentuates the relationship between the coastline and the sea. The southern hall, acting as a transitional space, bridges the divide between the city and the sea. Conceptualized as a multifaceted area, the market hosts diverse events, offering visual connections to the sea through grand staircases, curtain walls, and shared spaces, fostering communication, relaxation, and recreation.

In terms of materials, the collaborative team of LJL Architects and 2K1 Architecture opts for red brick, a choice that accords with the warehouse’s unadorned form while revealing its inherent qualities. Along the west side, which faces the pedestrian area, the elongated facade features various openings, resulting in a captivating urban landscape. Drawing from the composition, proportion, and intricate design elements of the South Sun Warehouse, a modern cultural heritage site in Busan, and the facade of the former Baekje Hospital, the project is infused with a sense of heritage and local character.

Millac The Market is located on the eastern side of Gwangalli Beach in Busan, South Korea

the structure stands amidst towering high-rises serving as a communal hub within the heart of the city

the project serves as a low-rise horizontal landmark with a strong sense of publicness

the multifunctional space, acting as a transitional area, bridges the divide between the city and the sea

the structure offers views to the sea through grand staircases, curtain walls, and shared spaces

the warehouse’s roof informs the plan dividing it into three distinct sections

red brickwork and steel frame shape up the warehouse’s main volume

red brick accords with the warehouse’s unadorned form while revealing its inherent qualities

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project info:

name: Millac The Market
designers: LJL Architects + 2K1 Architecture

lead architects: Seungjin Lee / Joohyoung Lee

location: Busan, South Korea

photography: Joonhwan Yoon | @yoon_joonhwan

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom