yong ju lee and atelier kj create 'elusive boundary' for korean pavilion at expo 2020 dubai

yong ju lee architecture and atelier kj have collaborated to create ‘elusive boundary’ for the korean pavilion at expo 2020 dubai. the concept is based on the idea of boundaries, but instead of the traditional notion of a boundary being a line or surface for separation, this project proposes it as a space for creation. the explosive form of the design represents this idea of movement and expansion between territories no longer being linear, but a simultaneous event.

all images courtesy of yong ju lee architecture + atelier kj

the physical space of the pavilion is created from the collision of two different coordinate systems (one orthogonal; the other is a rotated system of 15 degrees in z-axis and x-axis). the second system expands continually, becoming an independent geometrical structure that is load-bearing and acts as the main structural frame. the boundary where these two systems meet and support each other creates a new space. this tangled geometry characterizes the building and generates the dynamic expression of the structure.

main entrance

the design of the two structural systems makes it difficult to clearly read where the boundary of the building begins and ends, which further supports the concept of the ‘elusive boundary’. visitors experience and perceive the building as a light floating mass and the translucent skin used in the design creates a direct connection between visitors inside and spectators outside. overall, the project creates an explosive form which questions the idea of what defines a boundary.

lobby

exhibition hall

concept sketch

concept diagram

site plan

1st floor plan

4th floor plan

elevations

section

exterior view

project info:

project name: ‘elusive boundary’ (proposal for the korean pavilion at expo 2020 dubai)

architect: yong ju lee architecture + atelier kj

lead architects: yong ju lee, kyung jae kim

design team: ji su ha, jun-yeon cha

built area: 1,946 sqm 

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: lynne myers | designboom