richard meier architects’ first korean project breaks groundimage © vizeall images courtesy of richard meier & partners architects

 

 

 

analogous to the topography, richard meier‘s  ‘hh resort and spa’ in gangneung — his first project in the south korea — grows out of the hillside with subtle curves and angles composing the lower levels and wellness center before becoming a geometric prism towering 15 stories over the east sea of korea. the winding ascent along gyeongpo lake is orchestrated with an array of supporting program such as an amphitheatre and exhibition hall, carved into the arboreal landscape. upon arrival, the main hotel rises before visitors, and a delicate bridge leads to the banquet hall, which frames the lower beach promenade. maintaining a dialogue with the land and seascape, terraces at each room open to the sea, mountains, or lake. in contrast to these natural forms, the buildings are composed of angular planes that morph in appearance as light and shadow play across the facade. tectonic layers of white and translucent materials allow interior spaces to be light and airy, while composing a prominent silhouette along the coastline.

 

 

 richard meier's first korean project breaks groundat the summit of an island plateau, the resort’s texture contrasts the subtle curves of the greeneryimage © vize

 

 

richard meier's first korean project breaks groundsubtle curves and angles compose the hotel lobby, maintaining a direct reference to the site’s topographyimage © vize

 

 

richard meier's first korean project breaks groundthe traditional korean bath and spa known as ‘oncheon’ or ‘jim-jil-bangs’ is a prominent feature of the resortimage © vize

 

 

richard meier's first korean project breaks groundthe design creates a dialogue with the local history and culture, such as black bamboo native to gangneungimage © vize

 

 

richard meier's first korean project breaks groundlocated in its own building, the banquet hall overlooks the south beach promenadeimage © vize

 

 

richard meier's first korean project breaks groundthe articulated tectonics frame the east sea of koreaimage © vize

 

 

richard meier's first korean project breaks groundthe prominent silhouette transforms with light, season, and perspective image © vize

 

 

design team:

 

design principals:  richard meier, dukho yeon

project architects:  guillermo murcia, hyung sok moon

project architect/interiors:  vivian lee    

collaborators:  kevin baker, joe desense, aurora farewell, emi honda, katie kasabalis, robert kim, chris layda, seo joo lee, richard liu, diana lui, marianna mello, sharon oh, greg park, hans put, nathan petty, yuan yang teng, sang min yoo