|
 Seungmo Seo is a South Korean architect born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1971. He completed his education at Kyungwon University in South Korea and pursued a Master's degree in Fine Arts in Architecture at the Tokyo University of the Arts in Japan. Following his studies, he worked as an assistant professor at the Tokyo University of the Arts for two years. In 2004, he returned to Seoul and embarked on his independent architectural practice.In 2010, he established "Samuso Hyojadong" and expanded his design portfolio to encompass various areas, including residential, hospitality, and commercial facilities.Some of his notable projects include C House, Namhae 613 Hotel, SJ Hanok Renovation, the 'Hyundai Card Vinyl & Plastic' facade renovation, 'Theory Flagship Store' facade renovation, as well as collaborative work with architect Ryuichi Sakamoto on exhibition spaces and the DDP Design Library, among others.
Aesop Seochon Store is a minimal interior located in Seoul, South Korea, designed by Samuso Hyojadong. Taking inspiration from the Soswaewon garden of the Damyang region, an epitome of sixteenth-century beauty and serenity, the designers set forth to create an experience where the past meets the present in a graceful convergence. Emphasizing a thoughtful approach to the use of materials, the design team at Samuso has carefully selected elements that embody their purest forms, allowing them to resonate individually, devoid of excessive human manipulation.
The street-facing facade was created with mesh metal screens that can open out entirely to create a storefront with no walls. Once closed, the woven metal backing creates translucent windows through which passersby observe the softly lit silhouettes of uniform rows of bottles. 
For the store's material palette, the designers referenced the timber and stone that are typically used to build traditional Korean houses known as hanoks.A large, rough-edged stone plinth displaying clusters of products was positioned at the entrance while various wooden accents were created with timber reclaimed from salvage yards and an abandoned house. 
Hanji paper created from mulberry tree bark sourced from South Korea's Gyeongnam province features on the store's walls, which frame central geometric cabinetry and sleek taps made of locally produced aged copper.The store was also built on a raised stone platform, which nods to the traditional architecture.
This conscious choice in materiality not only highlights the intrinsic qualities of each element but also brings forth a tapestry of textures that invite visitors to connect on a deeper level. The defining characteristic of this project, however, lies in its deliberate attempt to blur the lines between the external and internal realms. As one steps into the store, it becomes increasingly evident that a careful orchestration of space has taken place, offering a seamless transition between the outdoor serenity and indoor refinement. This fluid movement between spaces alludes to a broader narrative where the natural and the crafted coalesce to offer a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling urban backdrop. 
Samuso extended the floorplate outwards to create a threshold that conveys a generous sense of hospitality.
Rosewood was used to create the store's signature fragrance armoire, which is hidden from view until opened out and was conceived as a traditional Korean jewellery box,Throughout the store, we were compelled by a desire to dissolve the boundaries between inside and outside, between the naturally occurring and the human-made. 
锦禾设计 | 月晟集团燕园品牌体验中心 |
|
|
