In cities and towns across the world, bland and unimaginative carpark buildings brood over streets that have suffered immeasurably from their ghastliness. It pleases me therefore, that carpark buildings such as this one by JOHO Architecture in down town Seoul, aim to make a positive architectural and urban contribution to their environment. This one greatly lifts the tone of the quarter where it sits.
The façade uses 635 polycarbonate panels arranged in five layers. Some of the panels are specially coated and change colour with the amount of sunlight they receive. The aim was to raise the value of the surrounding area with this flamboyant building. The architect at least thinks they have achieved that.
