Kengo Kuma and Associates reveals the Audeum audio museum in Seoul, featuring layers of suspended aluminum pipes. Situated in Gangnam, Audeum engages all five senses with its sound reproduction equipment collection. Read more on SURFACES REPORTER (SR):
"It is not just a place to listen to sound but an architectural instrument that returns humans to a natural state, allowing them to experience the five senses of the body," said Kengo Kuma and Associates.
Cascading Aluminium Pipes and Glass Facade
Kengo Kuma and Associates wrapped the museum's exterior in overlapping aluminum pipes, elevated above the entrance to reveal a glass facade. The pipes create a pattern of light and shade, mimicking sunlight filtering through a forest.
"The aluminum pipes mimic natural light changes, harmonizing disorder and order to emphasize the beauty of light that varies with weather, time, and season," said Kengo Kuma and Associates. "The pipes envelop the building, showcasing new expressions with the seasons and incorporating the randomness of the urban environment and nature."
Aluminum tubes flow from the high ceiling at the entrance, mirroring the exterior pipes.
Wooden Interior Contrast
Wooden surfaces inside the museum contrast with the aluminum pipes and evoke a natural feel. "The transition from the hard aluminum exterior to the soft wood interior creates a gradual shift," said Kengo Kuma and Associates.
"The wood finish is designed for acoustics, enhancing sensory stimulation and a connection to nature."