The Kukje Gallery - SO-IL

Our look into contemporary art spaces continues by looking at SO-IL's, recently completed the Kukje Gallery. Set amongst the historic neighborhood of Samcheong-ro in Seoul, South Korea. The Kukje Gallery serves as a bridge between Korea and the broader contemporary art world. It’s introduced Seoul to the work of prominent cutting-edge artists such as Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as promoting local artists. Set in a neighbourhood where courtyard homes are prevalent, the gallery is the latest of several art outlets, boutique shops, and cafes that have united the local area.

Its versatility and modern minimalist elegance lies in its architectural simplicity. The galleries exterior is draped in a veil of mesh consisting of 510,000 stainless-steel links. The building contains gallery spaces, a 60-seat auditorium and project spaces. The form of the building is organic, sitting on a carpet of vegetation, planted at its base.

Historically, chainmail mesh was used as armor, tightly wrapping the human body. Originating in Central Asia, chainmail has been globally used because of its unique characteristics, rigid yet flexibility, due to the way the interlinking rings. These combined qualities offer the possibility to create a strong skin that can adapt itself to the contour of any individual body and shape. These qualities form to create its sleek minimal exterior. The veil creates an indefinable exterior that changes appearance as visitors move through the site. Producing a layer of diffusion around the buildings structure, through a combination of reflections, openness and pattern produced through the interplay of shadows.

Exterior facade and cladding material choices are beginning to become more experimental and playful in its aesthetic qualities when creating modern contemporary architecture. The selection of unique and unusual materials and finishes are able to transform the visual relationship and connection individuals will have with a building, as well as providing individuality and character.