First Place Winner
Self-Discovery
Design by
Dawoom Lee
Jury Critique
“An innovative and empathetic design that transforms spatial experience by engaging all senses, offering a thoughtful journey from tactile, non-visual interiors to expansive river views.”
Dawoom Lee
Born in Korea. Graduated from Dongguk University and studying architecture at Hanyang University. Likes architecture that has humanity on it.
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
1. Concept & Inspiration
What inspired your concept for “Beyond Sight,” and how did you approach the challenge of designing for non-visual sensory experiences?
It was an interesting competition with a theme. Visual is the sensation we depend on the most. The project's starting point was the question of what architectural systems would look like if the sense of sight was not the primary sense.
2. Empathy in Design
How did you immerse yourself in the perspective of the blind and visually impaired while developing your design?
To learn how to 'detect' something instead of 'see' it, I thought deeply about how to move and how to recognize space for the visually impaired. In this process, I thought that the material felt by the touch was very important, and that the radius of the circle that can be touched was the cognitive range.
3. Sensory Experience
Which sensory element—touch, sound, smell, or spatial awareness—played the most significant role in your concept, and how did you integrate it architecturally?
The most important sensory element was tactile and spatial awareness. In particular, the information read through the feet is the most important clue for the visually impaired, and to reflect this architecturally, the change in floor texture naturally conveys the program of space. In addition, the entire circulation follows the radial and circular structure and is configured to make the user feel ‘how far away from the center’ with the body.
4. Accessibility & Inclusivity
What strategies did you use to ensure your design promotes accessibility and inclusivity for people of all abilities?
- Intuitive Circulation Structure Based on Single Line
- A Step-by-Stage Change of Illuminance, Sound, and Texture by Space
- Universal design that avoids steep slopes or steep steps
- Space sequence that not only blind people but also regular visitors can understand sensibly
We used the above strategies and as a result, we wanted to create an inclusive experience where anyone could interpret space at their own pace.
5. Innovation & Materials
Were there any innovative materials, technologies, or spatial techniques you used to enhance the sensory experience?
To create a spacious and undisturbed indoor space, the space was created with a single-shaped shell structure. This form fits the theme and fits the context of Seonyudo. In addition, in the non-visual observatory, the flow of air was actively converted into a space experience by using the chimney effect. The cold wind of the Han River flows in from the bottom and out from the top, naturally creating an air circulation, which makes it possible for visitors to 'feel' the shape of the space even with their eyes closed.
6. Challenges & Learnings
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the design process, and what did you learn from overcoming it?
Building 'out-of-visual architecture' was one of the biggest challenges. Because we had to completely deviate from this framework, the traditional architectural language of grid, straight line, and illumination was all visual-based.
7. Emotional Impact
How do you hope visitors—both visually impaired and sighted—will feel or experience the space when they interact with your design?
I hope that through the sequence of this space, visitors will experience the process of discovering their senses beyond their senses and senses. They experience natural illumination and level changes, and they experience descent and liberation.
8. Future Vision
How do you see the role of sensory architecture evolving in the future, and what message would you like to share with designers exploring inclusive design?
I think that the architecture of the future will move toward more respect for the diversity of senses.
Inclusive design will go beyond 'consideration' and become a new source of creativity in the future. If we get out of sight-centered architectural language and restore the balance of our senses, more architecture will be born that many people can relate to.
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