
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc and Peter Marino designed this fascinating building- the House of Dior- in Seoul, South Korea. The architect used sculptural white fibreglass panels, which were gently undulated to show the fluid movement of clothing to display the fashion brand’s new boutique. Take a glance at this curvalicious building with SURFACES REPORTER (SR):

Located in the luxury Gangnam shopping district, the House of Dior is a six-storey store that contains fine jewelry, watches, and clothing. It also has a gallery, café and VIP lounge operated by Pierre Hermé.
White Fibreglass Panels in the Facade

The Facade of the the House of Dior- in Seoul is covered with white fibreglass shells, each measuring 20 meters tall. Some panels curl around the side of the structure, while others are placed over the main entry to create an arched opening.
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Christian de Portzamparc explains, “I wanted the building to represent Dior and to reflect Christian Dior’s work. So, I wanted the surfaces to flow, like the couturier’s soft, woven white cotton fabric. These surfaces, which soar into the sky and undulate as if in motion, crossed by a few lines, are made from long moulded fibreglass shells, fitted together with aircraft precision.”

To create the shopfront, the panels- made up of resin and fibreglass- were modelled over big wooden moulds and put on the top of a metal framework. Perforated anodised aluminium panels overlie above the glass entrance, creating a modern lancet arch.
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The panels are attached with the silvers of glass that allow natural sunlight to enter the shop floors.

Peter Marino designed the beautiful glossy interiors of the House of Dior. The designer used mirrored walls, monochrome tiled floors, and fabric draped candlers. Contemporary artworks and furnishings, comprising Innerblow glass benches by Japanese design brand Nendo, accentuate the beauty of the interior.
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VIP Lounge and Gallery lies on the third floor where private meetings or appointments can be held. There is also a nice reception area adorned with a sculpture by Carmelo Tedeschi and drawings by Austrian artist Lucas Zallmann
Project Details:
Architects: Christian de Portzamparc
Area Covered: 4408 m²
Local architect/project manager: DPJ & Partners
Fibreglass facade development: DPJ & Partners, Architecture Design Base
Photographs: Nicolás Borel, Christian de Portzamparc
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