Thousand Plateaus Observatory Like a Boat by the Lake

Thousand Plateaus Observatory was designed by Emer-sys Design Lab, located in Chuncheon-si, South Korea. The design of the 778-square-meter observation deck is a public space that offers the city and lake shades of Chuncheon.

Overview of buildings with a bird perspective, Photo by Kyungsub Shin

Located on the shores of the lake and the unique shape of the site, this building has a boat-like design, with the site area being the shore of the lake, making this building like a ship leaning on the shore of the lake. The Emer-sys Design Lab designed the deck shape at a pointed angle on the site and continued with a viewing tower as if it were a platform section. Architects also manage circulation so that pedestrians can access this public space easily.

Overview of building, Photo by Kyungsub Shin

Pedestrians and open spaces around the site are naturally drawn into the building, extending the urban view. While heading towards the roof and elongated open decks, visitors get views in various directions, allowing them to discover new aspects of the Chuncheon lakeshores. Coupled with the design of the stairs winding around the building provides optimal views in all directions, including overlooking the Chuncheon Lake Bank, and clear and expansive views of the city can be found from the rooftop.

building view from street, Photo by Kyungsub Shin

The building is designed with a steel structure lined with hollow aluminum walls making it look obstructed but open, depending on the point of view. The hole creates the effect of light rain from the inside and a sense of immaterial mass from the outside. In particular, the wave-like shape created by the hollow panels covering the façade embodies the symbolic image of the soft but powerful Chuncheon Lakeside landmark.

view in buildings, Photo by Kyungsub Shin

Then the perforated panel that curves inwards has its own structural rigidity, minimizing the structure to support the panel. In addition, this curved surface triggers various light reactions such as reflections, trajectories, and overlaps depending on the angle of view, creating a colorful sense of depth at any time of the day.

Overview of building, Photo by Kyungsub Shin