Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2024 competition Honorable mention winner in the Large Scale category - Hee Jun Sim

We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce the Honorable Mention winner in the Large Scale category of our "Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2024" competition – Hee Jun Sim from South Korea!

Hee Jun Sim

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

This project represents a collaboration between ArchiWorkshop, based in Seoul, South Korea, and Studio Akkerhuis, based in Paris, France. 

ArchiWorkshop

Founded in 2013 by Hee-Jun Sim and Su-Jeong Park in Seoul, South Korea. ArchiWorkshop is a multidisciplinary team of over 20 members, has established itself as a leader in designing spaces that seamlessly integrate culture, ecology, and urban life. Both founders bring extensive experience from globally renowned practices, including Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Herzog & de Meuronn Behnisch Architekten, where they honed their expertise in crafting architecture that balances artistry and functionality. With a vision to redefine the boundaries of architecture, ArchiWorkshop combines cutting-edge technology with a profound respect for the social and environmental contexts of each project. The studio’s multidisciplinary team shares a passion for creating meaningful spaces, fostering a culture of collaboration that drives innovation and excellence. ArchiWorkshop excels at managing projects from concept to completion, ensuring that every stage—from initial design to construction supervision—is executed with precision and care. Specializing in public and cultural spaces, urban revitalization, and ecological architecture, ArchiWorkshop has developed an impressive portfolio of transformative projects.

Notable works include the award-winning SETT Cultural Space & Seobundang Urichi Green Campus, which integrates nature into urban environments, and several landmark designs that balance bold vision with environmental stewardship. Collaboration lies at the core of ArchiWorkshop's philosophy. The studio frequently partners with experts from diverse fields, including engineers, environmental scientists, and cultural researchers, to address the complexities of modern architectural challenges. This interdisciplinary approach allows the team to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project. ArchiWorkshop’s work has been celebrated internationally, earning prestigious awards such as the iF Design Award, Red Dot Award, German Design Award, and Iconic Architecture Award, among others. This recognition reflects the studio’s unwavering commitment to crafting spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience. With a dedication to pushing the boundaries of design while respecting the essence of place, ArchiWorkshop continues to lead the way in shaping a more sustainable, innovative, and culturally enriched future.

STUDIO AKKERHUIS

Founded in 2014 by Bart Akkerhuis, a former associate of Renzo Piano, Studio Akkerhuis is based in Paris and operates internationally as a multidisciplinary practice in architecture, interior design, and urbanism. The studio is deeply committed to addressing the challenges of today’s environmental, technological, cultural, and social contexts through inventive and thoughtful design solutions. Studio Akkerhuis brings together a dynamic and diverse team of approximately 40 architects from 19 countries, united by a shared passion for creativity and design excellence. From concept development to construction supervision, the studio expertly navigates all phases of architectural projects, ensuring that each is executed with precision, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit.

Collaboration is integral to the studio’s ethos, often working with specialists across fields such as engineering, art, philosophy, and film. This interdisciplinary approach results in bespoke solutions tailored to the unique demands of each project, offering a balance between originality and the pragmatic necessities of execution. Studio Akkerhuis’s portfolio reflects a diverse range of scales and typologies. Key projects include the transformation of the monumental 55,000 m² Meelfabriek in Leiden into a vibrant mixed-use complex, a contemporary art gallery in Paris, and a boutique hotel in the Netherlands. The studio has also developed a masterplan for 750 housing units and collaborates with the Renzo Piano Building Workshop on landmark projects such as the Parisian Law Courts, showcasing their expertise in complex, large-scale designs. Internationally recognized for its innovation, Studio Akkerhuis has received numerous accolades, including the Architectural Record Design Vanguard (2016) and the Innovation Award Bas Carbone at the Biennale of Bordeaux (2017). With a focus on creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration, Studio Akkerhuis continues to shape projects that resonate with both cultural significance and architectural integrity, establishing itself as a leading voice in contemporary architecture.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

The Incheon Geomdan Museum Library Cultural Complex is a project deeply rooted in its environment, designed to balance striking architecture with thoughtful restoration of a landscape shaped by civil works. Located in Geomdan New Town, an eco-friendly city envisioned as a cultural and research hub, the project reflects a commitment to ecological sustainability, environmental sensitivity, and public accessibility.

The design seeks to heal the disrupted site by seamlessly integrating the museum, library, and educational facilities into the natural contours of the surrounding cultural park. Its organic form respects the altered topography, transforming the scarred landscape into a dynamic cultural hub. The minimized building footprint not only preserves the ecological integrity of the site but also creates an efficient structure that optimizes energy use and resource sharing among its programmatic elements.

The project’s relationship with its environment is central to its identity. Outdoor exhibition spaces, integrated into the site’s topography, display local archaeological relics while fostering a direct connection between visitors and the region’s history. The eco-bridge provides continuity for disrupted ecological corridors, allowing wildlife to traverse the site while symbolically linking the fragmented environment. These features work together to restore a sense of harmony between architecture and nature.

The complex also prioritizes public openness and adaptability. Its ground level serves as an accessible space for community engagement, with lobbies, educational facilities, and multipurpose areas that connect the urban fabric to the park. Inside, the library and museum offer flexible, open-plan spaces that cater to evolving public needs while maintaining strong connections to the surrounding environment.

By addressing the site’s disrupted context and emphasizing ecological and social sustainability, the Incheon Geomdan Museum Library Cultural Complex stands as a model of architecture that not only enriches its community but also restores and enhances the environment it inhabits.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture is much more than the design of physical structures; it is the creation of spaces that shape how people live, interact, and connect with their surroundings. For us, architecture is a discipline that bridges the past, present, and future—shaping environments that honor history while addressing contemporary needs and anticipating future challenges. It is a tool for interpreting and responding to the cultural, social, and ecological demands of a community, creating spaces that foster engagement and well-being.

At its core, architecture is about crafting meaningful experiences—spaces that resonate with people on both personal and collective levels. It is a medium through which we build relationships between individuals, their communities, and the environment, ensuring these connections are sustainable and enriching.

The role of an architect goes beyond technical expertise. Architects must be visionaries who imagine bold futures, pragmatists who address practical constraints, and stewards of the environment who integrate sustainable practices into every project. This multifaceted role carries a profound responsibility: to create spaces that not only function effectively but also inspire creativity, promote healing, and nurture the human spirit.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, architecture must meet the challenges of climate change, urbanization, and social inequities. Architects are tasked with designing solutions that enhance the quality of life while respecting the planet’s finite resources. We believe architecture has the power to shape the future by promoting harmony among people, culture, and nature, ensuring that our built environments reflect society’s highest aspirations.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions provide a unique platform for us to challenge ourselves, push creative boundaries, and contribute to the broader discourse within the global architectural community. They offer an opportunity to think beyond the immediate constraints of conventional projects, enabling us to explore bold, innovative ideas that can inspire new directions for the future of design.

These competitions are not solely about winning; they are a means to refine our design philosophy and address complex challenges with fresh perspectives. By participating, we engage in a process that demands critical thinking, experimentation, and a commitment to excellence. Each competition serves as a testing ground where we can evaluate the relevance of our ideas in response to real-world needs while staying attuned to the cultural, social, and environmental contexts of the projects.

Competitions also allow us to connect with diverse audiences, ranging from fellow professionals to the communities these projects aim to serve. They foster collaboration and dialogue, encouraging reflection on how architecture can address societal issues and contribute to collective progress. These experiences enable us to showcase our ability to tackle ambitious challenges, strengthening our reputation and expanding our influence within the architectural field.

Through architecture competitions, we find the freedom to imagine, the discipline to innovate, and the opportunity to shape ideas that could redefine the future of architecture. For us, they are an essential part of the continuous process of growth, discovery, and contribution to the built environment.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

For those considering participating in architecture competitions, our advice is to view them as invaluable opportunities for growth, discovery, and collaboration. Competitions are not merely about achieving recognition or accolades—they are a platform to refine your creative process, challenge your design philosophy, and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving role of architecture in contemporary society. Approach each competition as a chance to explore your ideas without the constraints often encountered in traditional projects. They provide a rare freedom to innovate and push boundaries, allowing you to test new approaches and address complex problems in a controlled yet creative environment. This process not only helps you develop technical and conceptual skills but also sharpens your ability to communicate your vision effectively, a vital skill for any architect.

Competitions also encourage collaboration and dialogue. Whether you are working within a team or engaging with diverse juries and peers, you will gain exposure to new perspectives and methodologies. These interactions can inspire fresh ideas, challenge preconceived notions, and broaden your understanding of global architectural practices.

It is important to approach competitions with the mindset of growth rather than solely focusing on the outcome. While winning is rewarding, the real value lies in the experience itself—the insights gained, the skills honed, and the portfolio strengthened through your participation. Competitions can act as a springboard for your professional journey, enhancing your confidence and opening doors to future opportunities.

Above all, embrace the challenges of the process. The rigor and discipline required to meet competition standards will help you evolve as a designer, preparing you to address real-world architectural challenges with creativity and resilience. By participating in architecture competitions, you become part of a dynamic global dialogue, contributing to the advancement of ideas that shape the built environment.