Apr 16

Shanghai Expo 2010, Korea Pavilion by Mass Studies

The concept of Mass Studies’ pavilion is rooted in Korean influences and history. The design is the result of a collaboration between Korean architects and artists.

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The pavilion has been created by using Han-geul letters, the traditional Korean alphabet, and when combined together create the spaces for exhibitions.

The pixel-like surface of the pavilion is comprised of two types of 45cm x 45cm panels. The mainly white exterior uses panels of smaller Han-geul letters in relief, while the interior uses mainly aluminum panels created by a Korean artist, Ik-Joong Kang, that will add colour to surfaces. These panels will be autographed by the artist and sold to raise money for charity, this addresses some of the issues of sustainability by recycling a structure that will last only six months.

The appearance of the pavillion will change from day to night. Lighting installed behind the Hangeul panels will highlight the individual letters sequentially on the exterior façade at night. The ground level plan of the building has been determined by abstracting a map of a characteristic Korean city and the air cooled by a replica 79 metre-long river, modeled on Korea’s Han River.

The large size of the pavilion allow for a roof garden with views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s skyline.

Architects: Mass Studies
Design Period: July 2008 - April 2009
Construction Period: May 2009
Type: Competition, exhibition pavilion
Location: Shanghai, China
Site Area: 6000 sq m
Site Coverage Area: 4320 sq m
Total Floor Area: 5780 sq m
Interior (Exhibition): Cheil Worldwide
Multimedia: SigongTech
Structural Engineer: Ove Arup & Partners
MEP Engineer: NIKKO
Facade Consultant:Axis Facades
Photography (Model): Khehnyoung Kwak
Client: Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency

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