National Archives Museum of Korea

At the core of museum design is the idea of the building as both a guardian of the record and a dynamic, evolving experience. Inspired by Marcel Duchamp’s ‘Box in a Suitcase’, the building departs from his concept of compact art by embodying Duchamp’s notion of a ‘mobile museum’, where the ‘container’ functions as both a vessel and a work of art in itself. Within this framework, content is respected not only for its inherent value, but also for the important role it plays in preserving the collective memory of an entire culture.
The museum prioritizes flexibility, allowing the collection to be rearranged and experienced in new ways. It features modular, adaptable spaces that allow the collection to evolve, emphasizing interaction between exhibits, context, and visitors, while also serving to protect valuable records, documents, and archives.

Beyond its archival role, the museum actively directs visitor movement, creating architectural journeys through intentional spatial sequences. The movement patterns present an experience of discovery where architecture and exhibition design combine to tell a cohesive story.
This spatial arrangement ensures that the visitor’s engagement is as much shaped by the architectural language as by the artifacts themselves.
Sustainability is at the core of the design ethos, and the museum is positioned as an ecologically responsible structure. The building’s form factor, passive environmental strategies, material choices, and energy-efficient technologies combine to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

The museum’s entrance is defined by a multi-level atrium designed as both an architectural boundary and experiential focal
point. The vertical circulation is organized by a sculpturally interwoven escalator, which not only facilitates movement between
floors, but also creates a visually compelling spatial composition. This dynamic arrangement minimizes the footprint while
maximizing the exhibition space and contributing to the immersion of visitors.

At the center of the atrium, a magnificent multi-level exhibition case is placed as a key element that provides a direct
experience of the museum’s curatorial philosophy. This spatial gesture forms a strong visual and conceptual axis, clearly
setting the impression of the visitor’s journey. In addition, the voluminous composition of the atrium maximizes the
spatial drama, evoking a sense of wonder and anticipation upon entry.

The basement level of the National Archives Museum combines essential infrastructure with inviting public spaces. It includes the parking area and mechanical rooms, ensuring the building’s functionality, while also featuring key visitor spaces such as the Sunken Patio and cafeteria. The Sunken Patio, an open-air courtyard, brings natural light into the lower level and creates a fluid connection between

the museum and its surroundings. From here, visitors can access Museum Street, an underground passage linking the Archives with the broader Museum Complex. The cafeteria, positioned as a social gathering space, is directly connected to the main atrium by the sculptural escalators, seamlessly integrating this level into the museum’s spatial journey.

The architectural expression of the museum is defined by formal restraint, yet reveals a rich materiality. Wood was chosen as the primary exterior material, which not only provides tactile and visual warmth but also creates a symbolic link to cultural preservation.
The use of this material emphasizes the museum’s role as a preserver of heritage, while giving the building itself a strong and original presence. In addition, the façade system

was designed for optimal environmental performance. Wooden screens in the form of vertical louvers regulate the inflow of natural light to provide adequate illumination of the exhibition spaces, while preventing damage to sensitive artifacts. This integrated approach to light control reflects the museum’s philosophy of sustainability and strikes a balance between energy efficiency and a pleasant spatial atmosphere.