Bang By Min

Located on a busy street within the gangnam district in seoul, south korea, locally-based firm bang by min has designed the distinctive ‘interrobang’ mixed-use building to stand as a recognizable local landmark, while responding to its surrounding environment. 

Beautiful Panorama from Muara Tebas Temple

From Bako after bought some fresh fishes somehow dad drive the car to opposite way instead of direct to main road. As for today we go to Muara Tebas to see the historical building. Ching San Yet Temple or know as Muara Tebas Temple is 200 years old temple perched atop the hills 120 ft above sea level. overlooking the Malay Village. Watching the scenery from the top of the hill is awesome. The concept of traditional chinese architecture is still there. We  came here at the afternoon. So, you can imagine how hot and sweating climbing the stairs. Just by using Galaxy S6 Edge im impressed with the images i've snapped.

Additiononal info: The temple was first built by Chinese migrants who were thankful to their gods for allowing them to safely arrive in Sarawak, it was built on a spot where they found a natural spring of fresh water, the spring is still there to this day and the water is freely available to all who visit the temple. The temple was built in several stages, for a while it was in a poor condition untill in 1979 a staff building was added and the roof of the main building was repaired. In 1984 the local Hakka association took over the caring for the temple. over the next 14 years the temple was first renovated then also expanded (a dining hall was added). In the year 2000 a fountain and a “Buddha’s footprint” were added to the temple.

Bunk Studio Room Design Idea

We’re usually pretty curious whenever we see a tiny apartment because it’s an opportunity to see what great design techniques have been used to make it comfortable and functional. The result: we’re always impressed by something. For Bunk Studio Apartment case, what I like most about this apartment is, its basically a one-room apartment but it has all the functions you find in a spacious home.

Sneak some idea from mr.google and pasted here for further reference. Who knows some day i'll have my own home. ahaksss..

Sungyemun Gate

From Namsan downhills to Sungyemun Gate took us about 20 minutes walk. We just walk without any guide from any map.  A queen of road as many said(will always have a solution without lost the way), i just follow my own instinct where to. And finally we met with Sungyemun Gate. Great!! Lets take a photo with this beautiful traditional building!! Sungyemun or unofficial name as Namdaemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1. The unique things about this gate is surrounded by tall building. Its seems like we live in past and present in same time. A passageway for traffic is located at the east and west ends of the gate.

Gyeonggi English Village, Yangpyeon Camp

Been 1 year after me n Moon visited Korea. How  i missed those 11days in Korea. And today, i would like to make a throwback photos the location of Boys Over Flowers for Shinhwa High School’s hallways, lobby, and exterior facades. First opened in April 2008, Gyeonggi English Village Yangpyeong Camp covers a 100.935㎡ area and has a total of 55 buildings, which are modeled on historical buildings in Virginia, United States. This educational English camp consists of condo-style dormitories, an artificial soccer turf, indoor gymnasium, health club, swimming pool, outdoor concert hall, observatory facilities, and more. The English Village was the location for the scene when Jan-di’s friend, Oh Min-ji, spills ice cream on Gu Jun-pyo’s shoes.

Official website: [HERE]

 Ahakssss.. first to greet us upon entering from the entrance. Washington Airport Terminal. Here i am. Ktinggg!!!

[Day 8 Part 1] Namsangol Hanok Village

As usual, we start our journey a bit late. Our gusthouse and Namsangol Hanok Village is 5minutes walk only. So, we start our trip going to this historical traditional building.

It such an amazing structure of this traditional building called Hanok. As myself is an architecture design lover always go through the details of the building and sightseeing the landscaping. The interior structure of the house is also planned accordingly.The environment-friendly aspects of traditional Korean houses range from the structure's inner layout to the building materials which were used. Another unique feature of traditional houses is their special design for cooling the interior in summer and heating the interior in winter.

Guidemap near to the entrance

[Day 6 Part 2] The day we went to National Museum Of Korea

National Museum Of Korea is the largest museum in Korea.

Cheonggyecheon Stream The Restoration Project

The City of Seoul is in the process of an important paradigm shift, changing from an autocentric development-oriented urban landscape to one that values the quality of life of its people and the importance of functioning ecosystems. By demolishing an elevated freeway and uncovering a section of the historic Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project created both ecological and recreational opportunities along a 3.6-mile corridor in the center of Seoul. The project has proven catalytic, spurring economic growth and development in an area of Seoul that had languished over the last several decades.

Hyundai Card Design Library

Hyundai Card Design Library, founded in the vicinity of Gyeongbok Palace and Bukchon hanok village, offering access to over 11,000 books chosen by an international team of curators and critics. Websited : library.hyundaicard

Korean Style: Simple Interior

As you can see, renovating one or more rooms in your home using the Korean style is not so complicated. I've studied alots in Korean Drama hokayyy. Feel free to experiment and use your imagination, so that you can create a room inspired by Korean interior design in which you will feel relaxed and comfortable.  *However the rendering for some of the picture is superb!! Not all of the picture is real.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Main Gate of Gyeongbokgung

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces.
Daily guided tours of the palace are available at 9:30, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:00. HOMEPAGE: http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/eng/main/main.jsp

-Info-Closed on: Tuesdays

Operating Hours:
March-October: 09:00-18:00
November-February: 09:00-17:00
* Last admission: 1 hr before closing.
* Operating hours are subject to change depending on circumstances.

Admission Fees
Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Group (over 10): 2,400 won 
Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Group (over 10): 1,200 won

Directions
Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5. 
2 min. walk from Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3)
OR,
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2.

Whats inside: 

The Gates:  

Gwanghwamun (The Main and South Gate), Heungnyemun (The Second Inner Gate), Geunjeongmun (The Third Inner Gate), Sinmumun (The North Gate), Geonchunmun (The East Gate), Yeongchumun (The West Gate)

Heungnyemun gate (2nd Inner Gate)

Geunjeongmun (3rd Inner Gate) and Yeongjegyo (Bridge)

Buildings:

Gangnyeongjeon (강녕전) 

also called Gangnyeongjeon Hall, is a building used as the king's main residing quarters.Gangnyeongjeon consists of corridors and fourteen rectangular chambers, each seven chambers located to the left and right side of the building in a layout out like a checkerboard. The king used the central chamber while the court attendants occupied the remaining side chambers to protect, assist, and to receive orders. The building rests on top of a tall stone foundation, and a stone deck or veranda is located in front of the building.

Geunjeongjeon (근정전)

also known as Geunjeongjeon Hall, is the throne hall where the king formally granted audiences to his officials, gave declarations of national importance, and greeted foreign envoys and ambassadors during the Joseon Dynasty.Constructed mainly of wood, Geunjeongjeon sits on the center of a large rectangular courtyard, on top of a two-tiered stone platform. This two-tiered platform is lined with detailed balustrades and is decorated with numerous sculptures depicting imaginary and real animals, such as dragons and phoenixes. The stone-paved courtyard is lined with two rows of rank stones, called pumgyeseok, indicating where the court officials are to stand according to their ranks. The whole courtyard is fully enclosed by wooden cloisters.

Gyeonghoeru (경회루)

also known as Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, is a hall used to hold important and special state banquets during the Joseon Dynasty.Constructed mainly of wood and stone, Gyeonghoeru has a form where the wooden structure of the building sits on top of 48 massive stone pillars, with wooden stairs connecting the second floor to the first floor. The outer perimeters of Gyeonghoeru are supported by square pillars while the inner columns are cylindrical; they were placed thus to represent the idea of Yin & Yang. When Gyeonghoeru was originally built in 1412, these stone pillars were decorated with sculptures depicting dragons rising to the sky, but these details were not reproduced when the building was rebuilt in the 19th century. Three stone bridges connect the building to the palace grounds, and corners of the balustrades around the island are decorated with sculptures depicting twelve Zodiac animals.

Gyotaejeon (교태전)

also called Gyotaejeon Hall, is a building used as the main residing quarters by the queen during the Joseon Dynasty. The building is located behind Gangnyeongjeon, the king's quarters, and contains the queen's bed chamber.

Hyangwonjeong (향원정)

or Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, is a small, two-story hexagonal pavilion built around 1873 by the order of King Gojong when Geoncheonggung residence was built to the north within Gyeongbokgung.

Jagyeongjeon (자경전)

also called Jagyeongjeon Hall, is a building used as the main residing quarters by Queen Sinjeong the mother of King Heonjong.The chimneys of Jagyeongjeon are decorated with ten signs of longevity to wish for a long life for the late queen, while the west walls of the Jagyeongjeon compound are adorned with floral designs. The protruding southeast part of Jagyeongjeon, named Cheongyeollu, is designed to provide a cooler space during the summer, while the northwest part of Jagyeongjeon, named Bokandang, is designed for the winter months. The eastern part of Jagyeogjeon, named Hyeopgyeongdang and distinguished by the building's lower height, was used by the late queen's assistants.

Jibokjae (집옥재)

located next to Geoncheonggung Residence, is a two-story private library used by King Gojong. In 1876, a major fire occurred in Gyeongbokgung Palace, and King Gojong, for a brief period, moved and resided in Changdeokgung Palace. He eventually moved back to Gyeongbokgung in 1888, but he had the pre-existing Jibokjae building disassembled and moved from Changdeokgung to the present location in 1891. Its name, Jibokjae, translates loosely in English as the "Hall of Collecting Jade."

The building uniquely shows heavy influence of Chinese architecture instead of traditional Korean palace architecture. Its side walls were entirely constructed in brick, a method commonly employed by the contemporary Chinese, and its roof formations, interior screens, and columns also show Chinese influences. Its architecture possibly was meant to give it an exotic appearance.

Sajeongjeon (사정전)

 also called Sajeongjeon Hall, is a building used as the main executive office by the king during the Joseon Dynasty. Located behind Geunjeongjeon Hall, the king carried out his executive duties and held meetings with the top government officials in Sajeongjeon. Two separate side buildings, Cheonchujeon and Manchunjeon, flank the west and east of Sajeongjeon, and while Sajeongjeon is not equipped with a heating system, these buildings are equipped with Ondols for their use in the colder months.

Geoncheonggung (건청궁)

also known as Geoncheonggung Residence, was a private royal residence built by King Gojong within the palace grounds in 1873.

King Gojong resided in Geoncheonggung from 1888 and the residence was continuously expanded, but on October 8, 1895, Empress Myeongseong, the wife of King Gojong, was brutally assassinated by the Japanese agents at the residence. Her body was raped and cut, and was burned and buried near the residence.

Haunted by the experiences of the incident, the king left the palace on January 1896, and never returned to the residence. Demolished completely by the Japanese government in 1909, the residence was accurately reconstructed to its former design and open to the public in 2007.

Wall Less House by Tezuka Architects

Takaharu Tezuka, a Japanese architect who was born 1964 and build many conceptual projects since than. Wall-less house is one of them. It’s three store building with steel structure and without walls at the first floor. Thanks to that there is a beautiful garden view from there. The house is supported on a central core and a pair of columns. Other stores have almost 360 degree views too. Even in the bedroom the owners could be as close to nature as it’s possible without losing comfort of home. Even thought the interior is quite simple the house is more than amazing because of it views.

Source: http://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/2009/03/10/wall-less-house-tezuka-architects/

Location: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Site area: 255.19m2
built area: 50.84m2
floor area: 239.91m2
Floor: 1 underground, 3 stories
Structure: Steel
Architects: Tezuka Architects - Takaharu + Yui Tezuka, Masahiro Ikeda, Makoto Takei
Design Structural: Ove Arup & Partners Japan Limited
Lighting: Masahide Kakudate (Masahide Kakudate Lighting Architect & Associates, Inc.)
Construction: Matsumoto Corporation
Design: 2000.4-2000.12
Construction: 2000.1-2000.6

Western Architecture History: Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire.It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows.

Korean Oriental Style Interior Design

Korea architecture have a design concept of a typical Oriental. Gaming brown natural colors of wood or soft colors that give the feel of tranquility characterizes the natural interior design.In the use of color, Korean Style Interior Design is similar to Japan’s. Using earth tone color schemes to enhance the natural feel of the room. Tend to accentuate the concept is simple and close to nature that can give the impression of peace for the occupants. Interior Traditional Korean also widely adopted in modern dwellings in various countries. If you are interested in to bring up the Oriental feel, you can choose the interior design Korea. To truly incorporate the look of Korean interior design into your home, this guide makes it simple by outlining the main features of this style.Korean design is a minimalist style that includes only the most necessary elements. The organisation and cleaning of your home won’t be such a challenge any more because of the lack of many items to disinfect, which means that you will also have more free time for yourself.Korean interior design relies heavily upon nature to create a beautiful and cozy atmosphere. Therefore, you can include various solid wooden furniture. Wooden table accented by floral print chairs will make a great addition to your Korean-styled room.

Bu Yeon Dang by IROJE KHM Architects

This building look familiar isnt it? The Drama He's Beautiful was used this house for filming as house of the ANJEL members. Located in Sungmam, Gyeounggi-do, Korea, this contemporary home was designed by IROJE KHM Architects. Its unique shape was influenced by the irregular landscape on which it was built.

Bu Yeon Dang by IROJE KHM Architects:

“Maximizing land use:
This site that is located in city have the surrounding context of country and that is an inclined and an irregular form of land.
In order to maximize the efficiency of land use, the irregular form of site was converted to the form of architecture.
As a result, the shape of site became the shape of architecture.
Complex use:
This house is a complex place with living and working.
Because of setting the boundary of house and office, we separated this building into upper layer and underground layer which is able to separate the gate of house and office along the level of inclined access road.
Natural flow with skipfloor system:
Skip floor system that ease the psychological burden of vertical mobility maintain the dramatic promenade with producing the visual and spatial continuity.
Floating bamboo garden:
Floating wooden boxes built-in small bamboo garden on the open space in each level, are dynamic and accidental program of space and this scenery of inner space is the major impression of this complex house.
Dramatic sequence of vertical story of exterior space:
By landscaping all of the rooftop of this house, the dramatic exterior space that is composed of various type of the space, from underground level to rooftop level, are combined with dynamic indoor space and surrounding scenery of nature, and produced the rich story of space.
Architectural Nature:
With the intent to harmony with the surrounding context of nature, flexible configuration of internal space, architecturizing the curved line of site, the vocabulary of architectural form made the non-architectural shaped architecture. As if “architectural nature”, covered with curved copper skin.”

 credited: archdaily

Glass House By Philip Johnson

Inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, the Glass House by Philip Johnson, with its perfect proportions and its simplicity, is considered one of the first most brilliant works of modern architecture. Johnson built the 47-acre estate for himself in New Canaan, Connecticut. The house was the first of fourteen structures that the architect built on the property over a span of fifty years.

Completed in 1949, the Glass House was the first design Johnson built on the property. The one-story house has a 32′x56′ open floor plan enclosed in 18-feet-wide floor-to-ceiling sheets of glass between black steel piers and stock H-beams that anchored the glass in place. The structure, however, did not impress Mies when he visited the house. It is said that the brilliant mentor to Philip Johnson stormed out in fury because of what he interpreted as a lack of thought in the details of the house.

Nok Sung Hun by Iroke KHM Architect

House in Minami-Boso, Chiba - Japan

This is the villa for the clients who live in Tokyo. The site is located in Boso Peninsula east of Tokyo, Although it takes only about less than 2 hrs drive from Downtown Tokyo., the site is facing the pacific ocean while having mountains as a background. Being surrounded by the natural landscape, it was necessary for us to utilize the great views of the site. Having these in our mind we came up with the design concept to provide the one continuous wall folded in different directions setting up the various views.

Location: Minami-Boso, Chiba
Architects: Kiyonobu Nakagame & Associates
Engineers: ohno japan
General contractor: Yashiro-komuten
Structure: reinforced concrete, 2 stories
Completion date: Feb, 2007
Photographs: K.Torimura