Situated in the hills of Maebong-San in Seoul, the Mapo Oil Depot, once a symbol of economic vitality, has gradually faded into obscurity. Our vision for revitalizing this historic site is to create the "Open Park" – a new Cultural Depot that uncovers and celebrates the layers of history embedded within its structure. The design honors the legacy of the oil tanks and the surrounding natural environment by preserving the existing structures and pathways, blending them into the new concept.

Incorporating large inflatable elements emerging from each tank, the design seeks to evoke curiosity and playfulness. These lightweight, flexible fabric structures appear to float within the mountainous landscape, creating a visual dialogue between them. At night, the illumination of these elements will breathe life into the site, signifying a new beginning and symbolizing the dawn of a fresh chapter in the area’s history.

Title: Mapo Oil Cultural Depot
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Principal Use: Museum Complex
Size: 5,393 sqm
Number of Stories: 2
Structure: Steel
Competition Period: 2014
Designed in Collaboration with: Hyukjin Kang, SID and Cho Hye Ryeong