Collective Complexion
National Museum of World Writing International Design Competition
Songdo, Incheon, Korea
May. 2017 - July. 2017
JWA + EXPERIENCE + ISOENV
Entry
The museum embodies the universal principles in writing and its medium that are found to preserve and to advance the humanity in the world. The collection of individual masses creates the architectural impression and metaphorically represents the universal morphology in all writing system. The gaps among masses dynamically open up the building and connect the visitors to the surrounding landscape and waterscape with the view and the flow of natural air. The main roof emulates the common shape in printing blocks, which environmentally control light and heat for the exhibit space below. Hard materials, such as metal cladding and stone walls, were chosen, referring to stone tablets as the writing medium for preserving knowledge in both the ancient and modern world. While respecting the given urban context, these concepts are developed with the considerations below that are explained in the following sections.
ACCESSES FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS
The access to the museum is accommodated for different needs for pedestrians, visitors on a vehicle, and service. Two entrances are provided for the pedestrians. The pedestrians from the public transportations nearby are accommodated to the west entrance while walking through the car-free plaza for a meetup and for enjoying the neighboring landscape and waterscape. They can stay in the plaza for outdoor exhibits, small concerts at the amphitheater and other various activities if available. The pedestrians from the Central Park promenade can predominantly go to the east entrance, yet those who come under the Gail Bridge can choose to go to the west entrance if desired.
Visitors on a vehicle can access the site north on the central street, which is between the proposed building and the Incheon Facility Management Corporation building. They drive the designated ramp to the underground parking area before getting to an elevator or stairs to the museum.
Service vehicles and its related circulation are virtually invisible. Service vehicles shall go to the underground loading area hence, the vast majority of the museum visitor may not be able to see them. Service circulations can be operated independently from the museum exhibit. This also means that there will be no intrusion to the general public on the street.
