Frank Gehry in collaboration with Peter Marino have created the design for the Louis Vuitton Maison in Seoul, South Korea. Located in the Cheongdam-dong neighborhood of the Gangnam district, the building has recently opened for clients.
Gehry has created a structure that emphasizes the strong connection that Louis Vuitton has cultivated with the South Korean capital. He found inspiration in key elements of the historical Korean architecture “such as the Hwaseong Fortress, dating back to the 18th century, as well as the swooping movements and white costumes of the Dongnae Hakchum”.
The structure’s front is entirely covered by glass, creating a “high zig-zagging vestibule and window, leading up to a series of enclosed terraces and culminating in waves of louvered glass panels”. All this is standing on a base of white stone. The construction has a strong sense of lightness. The building is connected through a “floating staircase”. The first and second floor contain the women and men sections and the third floor is a private space with an enclosed terrace that can be used for events and exclusive appointments. The glass-topped upper floor will host Espace Louis Vuitton Seoul, an exhibition space, that is showcasing eight emblematic sculptures of Giacometti for its first exposition. Visitors can shop surrounded by art on all of the floors. There will be artworks by Mark Hagan, Marcello Lo Guidice, Brendan Smith, Luigi Mainolfi, Martin Kline, Harmony Hammonds, Bernard Aubertin, and Anselm Reyle.
The Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul is Gerry’s first project in South Korea.
https://www.archdaily.com/929244/frank-gehry-and-peter-marino-design-the-louis-vuitton-maison-seoul#