Sejong Performing Arts Center

An elaborately articulated louvered facade performs as an urban-scaled sculptural gesture creating a unique identity for the building. Surrounding the building is the new Art Center Park, a green link between adjacent parks, the river, and the center of the old city.

The primary structural system comprises frame and panel elements that are made from ultra high performance concrete and are able to achieve large spans with relatively thin material depths. A series of column and beam elements make up the overall frame by tracing the defining geometry of the facade. A series of UHPC panels span between the primary structural elements and are rationalized to achieve the envelope surface geometry with maximized repetition. The ultra high performance concrete allows for a facade and roof substrate that is simultaneously a structural system, facade system and vapour barrier, thus simplfying the overall building construction.

On the interior, the soaring curved ceilings create dynamic public open spaces and house the two large performance halls. On the exterior, an expansive glass facade to the west transforms an elevated lobby into an 'urban stage' that projects outwards towards the city.

The site's design combines plazas, water features, and green spaces, reconciling the diverse character of its surroundings and weaving these together to create a significant new urban space for outdoor cultural activities. The Park is an urban extension of the Arts Center interior where films, festivals, performances, and other events enliven the space of the surrounding city