Gray Cheongdam (2024 Top Excellence Award)

Photo: ⓒ Joel Moritz

Located on the south side of Dosan-daero near the Hakdong intersection, Gray Cheongdam sits at the transition point between commercial/office use and residential neighborhoods. Unlike the bustling commercial blocks on the north side, the quieter south side is cut off by the 10-lane, 40-meter-wide Dosan-daero, with office buildings lining the boulevard and residential properties tucked behind. Recently, new office buildings and cultural spaces along the boulevard have begun to catalyze the transformation of older commercial establishments and residences in the inner blocks.

A commercial street's facade can serve as an additional symbolic element—distinct from the essence of the space itself—that defines the character of the streetscape. The relationship between space, structure, and exterior is both continuous and individually defined. The non-structural facade follows the order of the structural module while introducing three-dimensional curved surfaces that create varied atmospheric effects through light and shadow. This approach aspires to establish a lasting presence on the commercial street, standing apart from the colorful finishes and complex materials of its surroundings.