Mind Architects has cemented its position as one of South Korea’s most innovative architectural firms, after recently earning a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Small Commercial Architecture 2024 for their remarkable work on Haegrida. Founded in 2016, Mind Architects embodies a creative approach to architecture that emphasizes the “diversity of the world” while addressing client needs through continuous communication, innovative problem-solving, and a dedication to functional, sustainable design.

Haegrida, located in Minrak-dong, Busan, is a masterful example of Mind Architects’ design philosophy, which marries the natural landscape with practical, user-friendly architecture. The project’s unique location, overlooking the serene Suyeong River, Neolguji Park, and Centum City, presented both challenges and opportunities. The client’s request to maximize the breathtaking views while responding to the complex rear terrain created a design opportunity for Mind Architects to demonstrate their architectural prowess.

The firm’s solution was an intricate design that leverages segmented masses and varying spaces to create a visually stunning yet highly functional building. The architectural layout features a wide interior space, an exterior veranda, an outdoor rooftop, and a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces via thoughtfully placed stairs. The design enhances the borrowed landscape (차경, or “Chakyung”) of Minrak, allowing for a continuous visual dialogue between the building and its surroundings.

One of the most striking features of Haegrida is how it balances the front-facing panoramic view with the natural elements of the site’s rear. The third and fourth floors boast a veranda that connects directly to the forested hillside behind the property, while the rooftop offers expansive views of the macro landscape. These diverse outdoor spaces not only blend the building into its environment but also create dynamic opportunities for leisure and social interaction.

Mind Architects took on the comprehensive management of the project, overseeing every aspect from concept development to material selection and final construction. Their hands-on approach ensured that every detail of the building was aligned with the client’s vision while maintaining the focus on thoughtful, functional design. The design process exemplified the firm’s emphasis on open communication, involving the client in each stage to ensure that the final product met and exceeded expectations.

The client’s programmatic requirements for cafes, restaurants, and wedding halls were flawlessly integrated into the building’s design, resulting in versatile spaces that could adapt to varying uses. Mind Architects tackled one of the project’s key challenges by designing a wedding hall that could be fully utilized even on weekdays, a consideration particularly important in Korea, where wedding venues often remain unused during the week. Their innovative solution involved creating a flexible interior space that could transform into a café or conference hall, maximizing the wedding hall’s usability and ensuring its sustainability.

The result is a multifunctional venue that meets the needs of the client. The café, restaurant, and wedding hall spaces are optimally combined, offering indoor and outdoor experiences that cater to a wide range of functions. The design perfectly captures Mind Architects’ goal of creating architecture that produces perfect form while focusing on the essence of usability.

Mind Architects has an impressive portfolio that includes cafes, restaurants, office facilities, and residential spaces. Their process of collaboration and open communication has allowed them to thrive in a competitive industry. Over the years, they have garnered multiple accolades, including the 2019 Daegu City Architectural Award, the 2022 Gyeongsangbuk-do Architectural Culture Award, and more. Their ability to adapt to societal changes while maintaining a focus on practicality and design quality has set them apart as leaders in South Korea’s architectural scene.

For the Haegrida project, Mind Architects masterfully demonstrated their ability to combine aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. By embracing the landscape and incorporating it into the architecture, they have created a space that enhances the natural beauty of the site while providing flexible, sustainable solutions for their client’s needs. This achievement, recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, is a celebration of the firm’s dedication to innovation, communication, and problem-solving in architecture.

To view Mind Architects’ stunning portfolio of innovative and sustainable properties, or bring your dream space to life, visit their website http://www.mindarchi.com/works