Systematic
Two statistics highlight the current spatial-temporal conditions in Korea without exaggeration. First, the ratio of the urban to non-urban population 50 years ago was 20 to 80. Now, the ratio has inverted: 82% percent of the entire Korean population lives in urbanized areas, leaving 18 percent residing in non-urban areas. Second, the percent of the population that lived in apartments vs. non-apartments in 1990 was 30 to 70; now, 17 years later, this ratio has inverted as well, and 70 percent of people inhabit apartments.
These conditions exist as a result of systematically focusing on growing more and more vertically. So far, the sole method for expanding a building vertically has been to stack any number of identical flat slabs, allowing for a maximization of production efficiency. However, this method has produced vast, homogeneous urban spaces over the last 40 years, particularly in Seoul, which is now one of the densest cities in the world.
Heterogeneity
On top of this systematic force, a completely opposite force has begun simultaneously in Korea in the last decade. When constructing vertical buildings — be it housing or an office tower — heterogeneity or “difference” achieved by design has emerged as a significant virtue in this icon-obsessed economy, as it has in other large metropolises throughout the world. From Seoul to Dubai, developers now competitively seek to build “landmark towers” or something that can be promoted as such, no matter how vague or dubious the rationale may be.
Systematic Heterogeneity
Mass Studies, founded in 2003 by Minsuk Cho in Seoul, Korea, explores diverse new sectional typologies for vertical buildings in a mass-produced, high-density urban environment.
We attempt to produce a building systematically without creating a homogeneous environment, and aim to create heterogeneity without manufacturing a superficial identity. We follow two concrete methods of reorganization: Either we maintain the basic rectangular matrix unit of the existing Domino Matrix and vary the composition of the units within their collective matrix or take out units from the collective. In the other method, we alter the rectangular unit matrix itself (Wave Matrix).
Wave Matrix
We noted the fact that most recent innovations involving bathrooms concentrate on spacious and luxurious residences. In contrast, during the AquaTektur Workshop together with Axor, we formulated a new concept of a residential space matrix that allows the most comfortable and generous bathroom space possible on the smallest scale of residential environments in a congested metropolis, setting up a seemingly contradictory challenge for ourselves. This residential space matrix is designed for an individual or a couple in the smallest amount of space. On a 6.3m x 2.1m plan, three levels of undetermined functions inside the space matrix are connected like a staircase, producing a sort of split-level floor formation. Entry is possible at the middle level into a corridor along the length of the individual unit, with windows placed along the opposite length. The toilet is placed at one end of the entrance level, while a kitchen/workspace is situated along the length with the windows. The lower level functions as a living room or, when filled with water, as a bathroom or, perhaps as a “wet/dry living room.” This space is composed of a soft, waterproof silicone membrane with a shower fixture that creates a waterfall effect from the ceiling. The highest level is a loft space with low ceiling that can be used as the bedroom. These residential matrixes with a split-level floor cross-section can be mirrored and added on horizontally and vertically, creating a congregation of waves.
Minsuk Cho - Mass Studies
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