Urban Canvas: A New Perspective on Facade Installations

Hyunje Joo and Munhyung Lee's Innovative Approach to Architectural Design

The Urban Canvas project is a temporary facade installation that features a wall made up of 1,500 semi-transparent baskets. This unique design element not only minimizes the separation between the inside and outside of the building, but it also allows light and silhouettes to show through from beyond the space. The result is a constantly changing surface that reacts to environmental influences.

The project began in December 2016 in Naju, Korea, and was completed in January 2017. The wall, which measures 17 m x 14 m x 7 m, was designed to be a flexible architectural element rather than a fixed one. When the building is eventually demolished in two years, the baskets can be reused, thereby extending the life of the installation beyond its initial location.

Hyunje Joo and Munhyung Lee drew inspiration from the idea that a wall implies a place beyond it. They sought to reinterpret the boundary of the wall by using new materials and incorporating the passage of time into their design. The result is a wall that not only fulfills its physical tasks but also actively intervenes between spaces.

The designers faced the challenge of creating architecture as art. They overcame this by using the semi-transparent baskets to create a surface that is in constant motion due to the reflection and refraction of light. This innovative approach to design earned them the Silver A' Design Award, which is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

In conclusion, the Urban Canvas project by Hyunje Joo and Munhyung Lee is a remarkable example of innovative architectural design. By reinterpreting the concept of a wall and using time and landscape as new materials, they have created a unique facade installation that challenges traditional architectural boundaries. This project not only showcases the designers' technical expertise and artistic skill, but it also introduces a new perspective on architectural design.