SPACE · 2024.06 · No. 679 - THE ARCHITECT'S ATELIER
SPACE · 2024.06
What significance does the atelier hold for architects? This space, in which varied activities occur, including conceptualising projects, drawing blueprints, crafting models, and consulting with clients, transcends the mere concept of a workspace due to the nature of the design profession. From the ateliers of the modern era up to the present, these spaces have evolved into sites of education and practical work, arenas for creativity and experimentation. This FEATURE focuses on the atelier as both a physical space and an environment within the architectural industry. It places particular attention on and scrutinises contemporary examples from both the international and domestic realms, examining how each firm’s architectural approach and work methods are intricately reflected in their workspaces. Internationally, SPACE looks at ateliers ranging from small-scale firms active in indigenous regions to large offices in the historic urban centres of Europe with over 300 employees, each uniquely manifesting their distinct working vocabulary. Domestically, SPACE explores 20 ateliers that are situated in urban and regional contexts, each forming its own unique identity. Furthermore, through interviews, SPACE delves into how ideas have been realised or frustrated in these Korean ateliers under various conditions and constraints, and what points of interaction exist within the changing landscape of cities and architecture. By examining these meaningful workspaces of architects, the FEATURE aims to explore the changes and potential within the field of architecture.
SKM Architects
Located 200m from Cheongdam Station, the office is surrounded by Bongeunsa Temple, Kyunggi High School, and Hangang Park, making it one of the lowest-density developed area in Gangnam. Even after the office was built, efforts were made to maintain the green area of the original site by using rooftop landscaping and wall greening as well as cultivating the courtyard landscape for over 17 years to add vitality to the neighbourhood. Passive and active design is applied to the office building, which enhances energy efficiency, reflected in the considerations for the site, such as light, wind, and the spatial experience. With high ceilings, spacious rest areas, separate meeting rooms, and recently remodeled dining areas, architects’ creativity and job satisfaction are enhanced, while delicate details and spatial arrangements reveal the completeness of the work conducted in the office.
Asking About the Meaning of the Atelier
What sets an architect’s workspace apart from a typical work environment? Often, the elements of the workspace are driven by the unique demands of the architectural industry. An atelier goes beyond the notion of a place for meetings and administration; it requires specific equipment and spaces devised for design and production. In response, each studio may segment or merge various functions to foster better communication and collaboration among team members, thus enhancing efficiency. The key here is how these spaces are uniquely tailored—different methods but the same foundational needs. SPACE asked 20 domestic ateliers about their desires for their ideal workspaces, changes in office layouts responding to shifts in the industry, and their unfulfilled initiatives. Their responses, as varied and striking as their design styles, prompt us to reconsider what an atelier truly means to architects.
Q1. How different is a workspace for architects?
SKM Architects
The office is where we spend the majority of our time, so we aimed to create a space that is well-lit, well-ventilated, eco-friendly, and comfortable. Our office features high ceilings and spacious areas designed to maximise creativity. We approach architecture as an organic entity, attentively crafting even the smallest details and ensuring a precise layout, to foster a sense of doing everything to an appropriate degree when working here.
Q3. Are there any architectural ideas in your current office that you regret not realising? What are the reasons behind it?
SKM Architects
It would have been better if we could provide a larger and more comfortable dining or kitchen area proportional to the increased number of staff for lunches or shared meals. The first and second floors have floor heating systems, and the basement has an HVAC system. It would have been more comfortable if the basement also had floor heating. There’s one basement level, but a second basement floor would have been useful for a model-making room or storage for samples.
