perforated brickwork forms pixelated pattern upon restored seoul building by NOMAL

"Originally constructed in 1966, the Cracker building, by NOMAL, reflects a period of rapid urban growth in . Beginning as a two-story structure, it was gradually expanded with additional masonry and lightweight steel floors. These extensions, added without coherent planning, created structural instability, with several columns even extending beyond the property boundary. Zoning regulations and parking requirements ruled out demolition and new construction, making renovation the only viable path."

"The pixelated pattern of the brickwork references digital music visualizers, a subtle nod to Sinchon's cultural past. Sinchon was historically associated with youth culture, live music, and independent businesses, but over time, these qualities diminished with gentrification and the dominance of large commercial franchises. The project aimed not only to stabilize the structure but also to re-engage with this cultural history."

"NOMAL approached the project through structural reinforcement and spatial reorganization. The foundations were stabilized, the upper floors rebuilt, and the footprint adjusted to comply with current codes. The reconfiguration divided the building's three bays into two main volumes and a vertical circulation core with an elevator and stairwell. A perforated brick facade was introduced, serving multiple functions: providing daylight and privacy, minimizing visual intrusion on neighboring properties, and creating a distinct material identity."

The Cracker building in Seoul's Sinchon district was originally constructed in 1966 and expanded piecemeal from a two-story base with added masonry and lightweight steel floors. Uncoordinated extensions created structural instability and caused several columns to extend beyond the property boundary. Zoning and parking regulations prevented demolition, making renovation the only viable approach. NOMAL stabilized foundations, rebuilt upper floors, adjusted the footprint to meet current codes, and reorganized interior space into two primary volumes with a vertical circulation core housing an elevator and stair. A perforated pixelated brick facade provides daylight and privacy, reduces visual intrusion, references digital music visualizers as a nod to Sinchon's musical past, and emits a soft glow after dark.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine