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OMA has released images of a distinctive new department store designed for in Gwanggyo, a planned city located approximately 25 kilometres south of Seoul. The Gwanggyo location is the sixth branch for Galleria, the largest upscale department store brand in South Korea.
The building's organic exterior reflects that of the neighbouring Suwon Gwanggyo Lake Park. The boxy volume sports a textured mosaic stone facade and a multi-faceted glass public route "excavated" from the stone that snakes upwards and across the mass, leading to a rooftop garden.
The glass elements contrast with the opacity of the stone. Passersby are able to peer into the building through these glass sections, where retail and cultural programming animates the interior.
"With a public loop deliberately designed for cultural offerings, Galleria in Gwanggyo is a place where visitors engage with architecture and culture as they shop," said OMA Partner Chris van Duijn. "They leave with a unique retail experience blended with pleasant surprises after each visit."
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