Galleria’s New Department Store in Gwanggyo Is a Mosaic Work of Art

OMA recently designed the sixth location of Korea’s first and largest upscale department store franchise, Galleria. The store is located in Gwanggyo, an up-and-coming town just south of Seoul, and is situated next to the Suwon Gwanggyo Lake Park. To connect the store’s contrasting surroundings, OMA designed a unique facade that highlights both natural and urban design elements.

The building’s exterior is made up of 3D glass shapes that snake around a stone-like mosaic structure. Though a rather captivating feature, the glass isn’t merely for decoration. Through the glass, onlookers can catch a glimpse inside of the futuristic store, while shoppers can simultaneously enjoy new views of the developing town.

Inside, the glass acts as the main route for visitors. The walkway was formed with a sequence of cascading terraces that can be used for rotating exhibitions and performances to further enhance the culture of the developing neighborhood. “With a public loop deliberately designed for cultural offerings, Galleria in Gwanggyo is a place where visitors engage with architecture and culture as they shop,” explains OMA Partner Chris van Duijn. A roof garden atop the building will also be used for retail and cultural events.

Photos by Hong Sung Jun, courtesy of OMA.