Gangnam, Seoul’s high-rise jungle, epitomizes the relentless modern metropolis. Amid the noise and fast pace, office workers and residents often crave an escape from the daily grind. This project was envisioned as an ‘urban oasis’—a place where weary souls can pause, breathe, and replenish their energy. In this whimsical retreat, Blooming Cloud invites residents and visitors to find moments of serenity. To create a space open to citizens, the building layout and massing were carefully considered. Beginning with façade studies to transform an abandoned and demolished plot into a vibrant and delightful urban space, various massing options were explored to achieve a design aligned with the concept of an “oasis in the city.” At its core, the design features a balloon-nested scaffolding structure suspended above the atrium, symbolizing ephemeral lightness and urban adaptability. The scaffolding’s reusability and recyclability add to the value of sustainable design, reducing construction waste and promoting resource efficiency in the built environment. By integrating modular components that can be repurposed for future projects, the design challenges conventional notions of permanence while fostering an eco-conscious dialogue between the built environment and public space. The floating form evokes a sense of levitation, creating a visual contrast with the rigid city grid while inviting visitors to experience a moment of weightlessness and wonder. The interplay between transparency and structure enhances the dynamic relationship between the built environment and the human experience, offering a sanctuary that bridges architecture, art, and public interaction.
A structure, abandoned for two years after its approval in 1995, found itself in limbo—neither ruin nor function. To re-enter the realm of use, reinforcement was not an option but a necessity. Without it, the building was a liability, its structural integrity eroded by neglect. Inaction was not neutral; it was dangerous.
The task was clear: resuscitate the building, reanimate its core. This was not simple maintenance but an architectural form of CPR—an infusion of new life into a failing system. Diagnostics came first: cracks, corrosion, deformations—symptoms of decay that dictated the intervention. The response was both surgical and strategic. Steel beams were introduced to reinforce existing structures, carbon fiber tapes applied beneath slabs to restore balance and strength. The building’s skeletal frame was stabilized, its equilibrium re-established.
This was more than preservation—it was an architectural paradox: conserving history while engineering a future. The process was slow, resource-intensive, and unavoidable. To reclaim a structure from obsolescence is to do more than refine its surface. It requires a forensic dissection, a systematic reinforcement—ensuring that what was once left behind is not just restored but redefined.
Before initiating design and construction, a thorough review of existing drawings and an in-depth site analysis are essential. Existing architectural and structural plans provide critical insights into the building’s framework, the layout of existing facilities, and potential challenges. These serve as a foundation for developing efficient and safe design solutions.
Equally important is the assessment of the actual site conditions. Factors such as terrain, surrounding environment, and the relationship with adjacent structures must be carefully examined. Neglecting these elements can lead to unforeseen complications during construction.
By conducting this preliminary analysis, detailed construction strategies can be established from the planning stage. This proactive approach not only enhances project efficiency but also ensures quality and safety throughout the process.
The interplay between the pre-existing structure and newly introduced architectural elements speaks to the seamless dialogue between past and present. More than a static composition, it presents expansion as an ongoing, evolving phenomenon—one that does not end with the present but extends indefinitely into the future.
Visitors intuitively grasp this idea as they navigate the space. The exposure of the old structure does not signify completion but rather suggests what is yet to come, reinforcing the notion that expansion is not an event but a process—one that unfolds in time, continuously shaping and reshaping the built environment. The past, present, and future exist here in a state of perpetual extension, hinting at an architecture that remains open, adaptable, and boundlessly expansive. Typically employed in construction for safety and efficiency, system scaffold is rarely considered beyond its functional role. However, its aesthetic and structural potential became a key focus. By leveraging the modularity of system scaffolding, various layouts were explored, optimizing its arrangement for maximum visual impact. The chosen configuration not only serves as a structural framework for holding floating balloons but also establishes scaffolding itself as a deliberate design feature. To detach it from its conventional construction-site associations, the scaffolding was coated in white paint, transforming it into an intentional architectural element rather than a purely utilitarian structure. The placement of the balloons was similarly refined through an iterative, creative process. The interaction between the rigid geometry of the scaffold and the soft, organic forms of the balloons creates a striking contrast—elevating the spatial composition while enhancing the sculptural aesthetics of the entire building. In this way, what was once a temporary support structure becomes a central visual and conceptual component of the design.
A design was developed that aligns with the concept of an urban oasis, offering both visual and functional relief within the dense cityscape. The spatial arrangement fosters interaction while embedding corporate branding in a way that feels organic and approachable. To emphasize Bithumb’s corporate identity, a balloon installation featuring the company’s logo was integrated into the façade. This playful yet deliberate design choice creates an inviting and lighthearted atmosphere, making the brand feel more accessible and familiar to the public. BLOOMING CLOUDS offers a moment of disruption within the relentless rhythm of urban life. This project introduces a space that replaces uniformity with playfulness, openness, and sensory engagement. Visitors encounter a floating, ephemeral cloud—a conceptual and literal break from the expected.
Here, the idea of an oasis takes physical form, inviting city dwellers into an environment where their daily routine momentarily dissolves. dense, structured framework. The soft movement of clouds invite users to imagine endless possibilities and new connections as they move through the space.
-Reception Area, Lounge, and Furniture-
The layout of the reception and lounge on the ground floor was carefully planned to optimize circulation between interior and exterior spaces, enhance visual cohesion, and maximize openness. Upon entering the building, visitors are immediately met with the reception area positioned straight ahead, while the lounge space extends to the left, creating an intuitive spatial flow.
Furniture selection for the lounge was categorized based on function, using movable, modular furniture, allowing for flexible arrangements that adapt to various needs. Its flexibility and versatility make it ideal for accommodating a wide range of events and activities, providing a space that can be easily restructured based on function and user requirements. The modularity of the layout ensures that the space can be easily reconfigured, offering both functional versatility and the potential to accommodate a wide range of events and activities.
-Visual Connection Between Basement and Ground Level-
The integration of Stone Art Walls and Green Walls was explored to create a cohesive visual link between the basement and ground level, each offering distinct aesthetic and functional qualities. Green Walls introduce a nature-friendly ambiance, enhancing air purification and bringing a sense of vibrancy to the space. Their organic presence fosters a connection to nature, making the environment feel lively and refreshing.
On the other hand, Stone Art Walls provide a luxurious texture and durable appearance, reinforcing the building’s refined and sophisticated aesthetic, offering practical advantages in terms of maintenance and longevity, ensuring the space remains visually consistent over time. The Stone Art Wall was selected for its superior ability to harmonize with the overall exterior design, enhancing the modern and polished identity of the building. It ensures a seamless integration of underground and above-ground spaces while maintaining a timeless architectural expression.
-Basement Level 1 Showroom-
To maintain a clean and minimalist atmosphere, the showroom walls are finished with white gypsum board. It provides a bright and neutral backdrop, enhancing the sense of openness and spatial clarity within the showroom. However, the showroom’s material palette offers a range of alternative design possibilities, each bringing unique character to the space. For instance, incorporating blackened steel panels as an alternative finish would introduce a sleek, industrial aesthetic, creating a striking focal point within the interior.
Additionally, integrating a Wall Display system could enhance functional efficiency, allowing for dynamic product presentation and maximizing showroom usability. Furthermore combining marble furniture with these finishes would add a sophisticated, high-end touch, enriching the overall spatial experience. These alternative material choices expand the showroom’s design potential, offering flexibility in defining its aesthetic and functional identity beyond the selected finishes.
This landscape plan presents three design concepts—Yard, Meadow, and Landform—drawn from natural terrain forms and combined with the brand’s identity. Each design element not only reflects the core values of the brand, but also captures the organic forms and landscaping qualities of nature, creating a balanced and harmonious space.
The plan emphasizes the unique identity of the brand, offering a landscape that is not just visually appealing, but also fosters a sense of coexistence between users and the surrounding environment. By merging brand identity with naturalistic forms, this proposal showcases a compelling and thoughtful approach to landscape design.
-Mirror Wall-
The Mirror Wall blurs the line between sky and ground, embodying the concept of infinite expansion. Positioned strategically near the plaza and green spaces, it harmonizes with nature while offering citizens a unique sensory experience. In this special environment, people can briefly step away from their hectic urban routines.
This reflective surface not only invites individuals to contemplate their inner lives but also fosters community interaction—visitors share smiles, rest together, and enjoy playful moments as they catch glimpses of themselves and others in the mirrored facade. The result is an outdoor oasis that fills the emotional void of city life, providing a space for connection, joy, and tranquility.
-Entrance Courtyard Furnitures-
Benches have been placed outdoors to allow people to sit and rest freely, regardless of the weather or surroundings. The outdoor benches and tables not only provide a space for relaxation, but also support various activities such as reading and conversation, transforming the area into a vibrant community plaza within the bustling Gangnam district..
-Roof Sculpture-
Another crucial design element in this project is how it reflects Bithumb’s corporate identity within the space. The design features a surreal, oversized Bithumb logo emerging among the clouds, becoming a central visual anchor. This logo, seemingly detached from the ordinary, provides a unique experience that enhances the space’s identity. Combined with the balloon-shaped clouds, the logo introduces an unexpected, imaginative dimension to the environment, leaving a lasting impression on visitors in the center of Gangnam.
