KISWIRE Museum

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Materials are the foundation of architecture. In architecture, which is comprised of three main components: functionality, structure, and beauty, materials mainly responsible for the 'aesthetic aspect' can play a role beyond beauty when considered from the initial design phase. Materials can become the structure and satisfy the architectural function, and thus, materials revealed in space can give us a deep resonance with an aesthetic sense. Therefore, continuous questioning and experimentation on the potential of materials is also part of an architect's role. There is a notable space that comes to mind in Mangmi-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan. F1963, painted in sky blue with expanded metal decorating its exterior and preserving the appearance of a modern factory, captivates people's attention. This place was originally a factory producing wire, which is the origin of Koryo Steel, and has been remodeled into a complex cultural space. By placing the Wisdom Tower where the large crane used to be, it allowed for a sense of various spaces created within a space. Some of the ceiling was removed to provide an open space for gatherings, making good use of the space's advantage of needing to be wide to operate machines. By providing programs that various age groups can enjoy together, and spaces suitable for them, this place has proven the potential of a complex cultural space and has become a landmark representing Busan beyond Suyeong-gu. The government and corporations joining hands to create a space that offers a good experience to the people is significant, but on the other hand, it's disappointing that the characteristics of a 'wire factory' are hard to find. Although traces of the factory can be found, the marks of the wire factory, which was the starting point of Koryo Steel, are not very visible. Occasionally, wire is used for interior decoration or as a structural element to support weight, but it does not encompass the entire space. However, the 'Koryo Steel Memorial Hall' introduced this time properly showcases their renown. The wire seen at the entrance of the building may look decorative, but it is an indispensable presence in the Memorial Hall. A single wire rope supports a weight of 30 tons, and a total of 28 ropes extend from the walls and are embedded in the ground, meaning this structure can withstand a weight of 840 tons. This means that the wire can support a roof of such weight, or in other words, no pillars are needed to support the roof. Therefore, the second floor of the Memorial Hall was able to secure a wide space without a single pillar. Thanks to this, the spiral ramp connecting the interior and exterior of the building allows one to look down from different positions without a single thick line, and opening the orange door dramatically changes the experience of the water space. Crossing the bridge, which safely supports without a single structural element thanks to the strength of the wire, convinces one of the potential of materials. Despite being buried on a hill and close to F1963, the building's presence is infinitely small. However, the power of the space shown through the materials is absolutely not small. For those planning to visit F1963, it is recommended to stop by this place and check the true value of the space.