Periscope's principle is a device that enables observation of objects beyond obstacles outside a straight line of sight or at a long distance, and is mainly used in submarines and military equipment. Architectural inspiration was gained from this principle by focusing on the fact that the external environment can be observed and communicated from the inside only by arranging reflectors and lenses. For example, the possibility of applying this principle as a spatial device that secures a specific direction of view in a dense urban environment where it is difficult to secure a view, or draws natural elements deep into the building and forms a path of light.
The project site is located in a narrow alley in Nonhyeon-dong with a gentle slope and is surrounded by buildings of similar height, making it difficult to secure a view. Due to the characteristics of high-density residential areas, design considerations were required to secure an optimal environment within a given site. Since it faces the building directly opposite along the narrow road, the first floor was planned with a piloti structure, and only stairs and elevator spaces were placed inside. The second floor was constructed wide according to the building-to-land ratio, but the alley-side windows were removed, and the windows were wrapped with opaque walls to protect privacy, and a calm appearance was formed. In order to introduce natural light underground, the upper part of the sunken space was emptied to create a path of light open to the sky, and windows were placed on the front of the void space on the second floor to allow light to permeate deeply into the interior. This is similar to the Periscope principle, which draws natural elements to the corners of the room under limited conditions.
The volume from the 3rd to the 5th floors was set back due to the limitation of the sun's rays, and the 1st and 2nd floors were formed like a base on the lower floor, naturally creating a terrace space such as "Woldae." This outer space is a cozy aerial garden that is open to the sky for users in connection with the glass interior, and will be used as a place where various events are held. In traditional Korean architecture, it was called "Moon Terrace" in the sense that it is a good space to enjoy while facing the moon with a base 壇 higher than the ground. In palaces and temples, it was used as a ceremonial terrace by placing a woldae as a sacred place where kings and gods are enshrined, and due to this, it has established itself as a symbolic space of royal authority and divinity. Similar concepts can be found in China's 御, Japan's 間 Dynasty, Elevated Platform, and Koda.
In many cases, buildings in modern urban areas cannot use the ground level as a landscaping space and have to devote themselves to parking spaces. However, if an artificial stratum is provided in the middle of the building to create an intimate garden, even if it is not large, users will have the luxury to escape from the congestion of the city and see the sky. This is similar to the harmony with nature shown by Woldae in traditional Korean architecture, and has both spatial symbolism and practicality of communicating with nature under the moonlight and sunlight. Woldae, which was used as a religious practice and a sacred space, is a platform where nature and humans communicate, and can lead to a space where various activities can be achieved in modern architecture.
Just like the way a submarine puts its hull below the surface and exposes only the top of its periscope above the surface to secure ambient view, the building places a wall over its base to provide a breathtaking yard through its connection to nature in the daily life of the harsh city. Through this, we tried to balance lighting and views by securing a view in a dense city center and allowing light to permeate deep into the interior of the building, overcoming the limited environment in a complex city.
This project is only a small attempt, but by applying the Periscope principle to architecture, which coordinates the path of light and vision in a complex urban environment, we propose a space where privacy and openness, everyday life and non-daily life can coexist in harmony in the city center. It has the potential to grow while responding flexibly to the aesthetic needs of modern architecture.
