MIES - Medical Clinic

The Lounge at Cella Medical Clinic

(Via Archinect) This design reflects the hospital's specialty, “personalized cell therapy”- a new technology of transplanting skin cells enriched from adult cell therapy. Metropolitan United States, PLLC (MUS for short) approached the design of the clinic holistically, much like the way a physician would treat a patient’s body as a whole. Thus, the overall design is a fluid expression of the human cell and its connective systems. Layers of undulating curves throughout the physically engaging space suggest the systemic formation and reparation of cells. Perforations in the main floating ceiling are an additional expression of a cell’s numerous characteristics.

Wall Lighting as a Wayfinding Technique

The clinic is divided into three main areas: reception area, offices, and surgery rooms. Simultaneously, these spaces are unified by the perforated floating ceiling as well as by the use of materials. A custom-designed multi-functional lighting-shelving-shading device further unifies the interior space but also acts as a link to the exterior streetscape through the use of LED lights. This visual expression is most prominent at night and especially to pedestrians.

Check-In Counter

Identity and branding concepts were provided in conjunction with the design of the space. Items such as the clinic’s logo, typeface and main color scheme (pink and sky blue) were designed and then translated into different components of the clinic such as lighting and other building features.

Operating Room

Through various design elements, including the exterior signage and lighting, the organic pattern of the cells and the therapeutic function of the clinic are expressed on both the exterior and interior of the space.

Reflective Coatings on Corridors

MIES - Function Follows Geography

The Opera House at Night

Busan, Korea has a specific geography: Mountains areas are connecting directly to the Pacific Ocean. With great nature, there is a high density of population and an urgent demand for public spaces to be used by the inhabitants.  The following is a design by Peter Ruge Architekten, a design firm based Berlin, Germany, which addresses the two new public spaces.  As represented in this concept, an opera house in Busan is what the local public demands and as a building/space, it could improve the surrounding context immeasurably:

The Grand Foyer

The two units of the opera house would perform different functions:

• One would face west to the mountain and city side of Busan; it would be reserved for public performances

• The other would face east to the ocean side to celebrate “New Years Sunrise Festival”

Sections of the Opera House (from both ends)

In general (according to Ruge), the reference is to the history of Madang, a traditional open urban used for gathering, happenings and performances is the base for the design of it.

As for materials, a thin skin, protecting from the sun and water connects the two buildings, leaving in between a pathway open for the public.  Symbolically, this supports Busan’s natural flow from mountain to the ocean, creating a good harmony between urban space and architecture.

Site Plan of the Opera House

The new landmark of Busan’s Opera House reflects the natural and urban energies and connects it to the performing arts spaces of “Madangnoli”, at the Mountain Plaza and the Sunrise Plaza, an urban harmony with a folk performance played by ordinary people.

The construction of this building is like a wave of sounds as an environmental friendly building reflecting Korea’s path to local sustainability.  It is a positive step forward in the development of Busan.