arktonic

arktonic is a compound word of ark + tectonic and the agency behind this provides integrated design solutions through the interdisciplinary research of urban, architecture, space, product design, branding and media art. It was founded in New York in 2012 and moved to Seoul in 2018. Based on an in-depth study of social phenomena, its team explores various fields with the theme of building space. Sangwook Park graduated from Harvard University, Graduate School of Design with a Master of Architecture in 2009, after receiving a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering and in environmental science and ecological engineering from Korea University, Seoul, in 2006. He is the founder of arktonic and also teaching as adjunct professor at Kookmin University and Korea University in Seoul. He can already look back at various projects, publications and exhibitions as well as a multitude of honours and awards.

Interview with arktonic

Red Dot: Why did you become a designer?
arktonic: The transition from imagination to realisation was intriguing.

To what extent do you think new technologies are changing design?
The technology needed for problem-solving expands the potential of design and allows more societal issues to be addressed.

How would you define good communication design?
Understanding more people from multiple perspectives and being acutely aware of their needs broadens insight into understanding society and makes for good communication.

Was your award-winning work inspired by current social issues?
We are confronting the environmental problems brought on by global warming from a sustainability point of view by using environmentally friendly building materials and upcycling existing areas.

Please describe the concept of creativity against the background of your award-winning work.
OnDream Society’s location in Myeongdong, which is emblematic to Seoul, was also incorporated into the setting. The centre was the Myeongdong Cathedral, which was connected to the interior by Myeongdong-gil. This did not result in the same accessibility as typical interior works but created an architectural urban accessibility in the space. The blue line that runs deep inside and outside plays a role in merging different areas into one. This is the visible intersection and makes it clear that the space offers overlap. For some it may be a lecture hall, for others it becomes a space that offers the opportunity to meet investors. In this manner, the overlap of space functions as a means to maximise the encounter. The invisible border that surrounds the platform results in “people” filling the space. This also provides the justification behind the breaching of space boundaries. When considering the functionality of a space, a wall is unavoidable. OnDream Society is connected from the entryway to the interior space. It is a platform defined as a space for individuals or organisations to collaborate to address and solve environmental issues.