Daeyang Gallery and House

Welcome to the Daeyang Gallery and House, an extraordinary example of what has been called the work of an architectural poet. As we stand here in the historic district of Seongbuk-dong, we are about to enter a space designed by…

We begin our journey at the main entrance gate in Seongbuk-dong, a neighborhood known for its quiet dignity and historical resonance. As you stand before the weathered copper walls, consider Steven Holl’s assertion that a…

As you emerge from the entrance corridor, you are greeted by a vast horizontal plane of water. This is what Steven Holl refers to as a thinking field, a concept he first perfected in the Chapel of Saint Ignatius to transform a…

Gaze upon the three distinct pavilions that rise from the water. Steven Holl notes that while many architects work from the outside in, he believes this is backwards; however, these exterior forms are the essential shells that…

We now enter the first pavilion. As you step inside, remember Holl’s fundamental belief: architecture is decided when you walk into the building. …

Descending into the lower level, you enter the main gallery space, which lies directly beneath the reflecting pool. This area is inspired by the famous short story by Jorge Luis Borges, 'The Garden of Forking Paths'. …

Look up at the ceiling of the gallery. You are looking at fifty-five glass lenses, each one a bottle of light set into the stone-like concrete box of the subterranean structure. …

As we move toward the exit of the gallery, take note of the wood and steel finishes that line the walls and corridors. Steven Holl emphasizes that his projects often involve all fixtures and furniture being designed by his team…

As we conclude our tour of the Daeyang Gallery and House, we find ourselves back near the reflecting pool, looking once more at the copper pavilions. We have moved through a sequence of overlapping perspectives, experiencing…