Project Name: MIGIUI Café

Location: Ulju-gun, Ulsan, South Korea

Design Team: Architect-K

Total Floor Area: 862 m²

Completion: 2024

Photography: Yoon Joonhwan

Feature:

Project - In a groundbreaking fusion of nature and architecture, MIGIUI emerges as a transformative café project in South Korea's Ulju-gun region, masterfully crafted by architect-K under the leadership of Lee Kichul. This remarkable 862-square-meter development represents a paradigm shift in how built environments can harmonize with their natural surroundings.

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Gounsan Mountain in the Youngnam Alps, MIGIUI distinguishes itself through its innovative "forest path architecture" concept. The design's most striking feature is its 80-meter-long curved glass structure, which appears to float seamlessly between the trees, challenging conventional boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

The project's exceptional transparency is achieved through technically ambitious 28mm-thick paired glass panels, reaching heights of 4.9 meters. This architectural feat required overcoming significant engineering challenges, including complex insulation requirements and structural stability considerations. The addition of multi-tiered stainless steel eaves not only provides essential sun protection but also creates a distinctive visual rhythm that enhances the building's fluid form.

MIGIUI transcends the traditional café concept by offering a curated journey of self-discovery through nature. Three thoughtfully positioned courtyards create a continuous spatial experience that extends for approximately ten minutes, allowing visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape in unprecedented ways. The restricted access policy ensures an intimate, contemplative atmosphere that supports the project's core philosophy of fostering meaningful connections between humans and nature.

The project's name, MIGIUI (meaning "unknown" in Korean), perfectly encapsulates its essence – a space where architecture recedes into the background, allowing nature to take center stage in a carefully orchestrated dance between built form and natural environment. This revolutionary approach to commercial architecture sets new standards for sustainable design while creating a unique destination for urban dwellers seeking authentic natural experiences.

Design Team - Founded in 2012 by Principal Architect Kichul Lee, Architect-K has emerged as one of South Korea's most innovative architectural practices. The firm specializes in a holistic design approach encompassing architectural design, interior design, and furniture creation. Their design philosophy is deeply rooted in the concept of entropy, reflecting a unique perspective on addressing architectural challenges through adaptive and flexible solutions.

Lee, a Master of Architecture graduate from UC Berkeley, brings extensive experience from Frederic Schwartz Architects in New York and SPACE GROUP in Seoul. Under his leadership, the practice has developed a distinctive design methodology that embraces the inherent complexity and fluidity of contemporary architectural demands. The studio's name, incorporating the Boltzmann constant 'K', symbolizes their commitment to acknowledging and working with environmental and programmatic uncertainties in the design process.

The firm's portfolio showcases expertise in parametric design, sustainable architecture, and contextual integration, earning prestigious accolades including the Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award and the Architecture Master Prize. Characterized by innovative spatial solutions, advanced material applications, and a sophisticated understanding of environmental dynamics, Architect-K has established itself as a forward-thinking practice from its Seoul headquarters, consistently pushing the boundaries of conventional architectural discourse while maintaining a strong connection to practical implementation.