Buan Salt Factory, located in the old city center near local permanent market, had produced the refined salt through the traditional method. This market had played an important role in Buan where the fisheries industry was developed, but finally remained in ruins after its operation was suspended in 2009.
Buan Art Factory is located at the site of this salt factory. The atypical lot is deep inside, with a narrow entrance. As an urban regeneration facility for local residents traveling to and from the market, the long metal facade has strong recognition toward the permanent market.
The brick mass at the first floor, which receded behind, and the protruding steel gable mass on the second floor intersect, creating an enclosed wall that welcomes passers-by. The first floor with an uneven red brick is an extension of an old residential area, and the road created below the metal mass is a consideration for the house behind the site and an extension of the alleyway.
The two-story gable roof and highly reflective metal exterior are inspired by a salt factory. The Y-shaped column, which supports the mass, creates tension of overhang and makes an intimate rest area with low ceiling height. This space under the mass allows seeing across four levels from the market entrance to the open space on the backside. On the low-height second-floor terrace, the activities in the building can readily spread to the alleyway, allowing communication with the passers-by. The height of the building gradually increases along the slope from the terrace to the mass of the gable, reducing the pressure on the size of the building.
The lobby with two open floors has the type of factory building where the steel structure is exposed as it is. Rich natural light pours through the window of the gable mass, which is wide open toward the southeast, overcoming the enclosed site.
Except the asymmetric protruding structure of the overhang, each room and lighting have a very simple and regular arrangement, to build a modular space for each artist later. The ceiling with the silver deck plate exposed as it is like an salt cauldron that reflects the light. The transparent polycarbonate, which lightly divides the first floor, introduces natural light into the office. This material is also used as the top of a table, made with abandoned salt bag, and reminds of salt crystals formed in a flat pot.

Architects : Narrative Architects
Lead Architects : Namin Hwang, Sihong Kim
Area : 478 m²
Photographs : Kyungsub Shin
Location : Buan-gun, Republic of Korea

Featured
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Award
2023 The Good Place Awards: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism 
Red Dot Design Award: Design Concept 2023, Winner
iF Design Award: Architecture Design 2024, Winner