Glass blocks have various uses. Depending on whether they are used in parts or whole, opaque or translucent, the impression inside and outside the space is different. This material was used a lot in Korea in the past, but it is relatively less common now. I personally like this material, so I want to bundle glass blocks of different impressions and share them with people who have similar tastes. At the same time, I want to share these elements with prospective owners who are preparing a space and help them.
Glass Block Entire [Opaque]
A Twosome Place
There's this place I kept noticing every time I passed by, usually late at night or right when the cafe was about to close, so I never actually went in for coffee. Surrounded by famous cafes and design spots, I must have walked past it about 5~6 times. However, it always caught my eye, mainly because I have a liking for glass blocks. Despite my initial intentions due to my schedule, I could never visit during the day, which was my preference - ‘because I thought the interior would look too beautiful during the daytime’. Especially since it was my favorite among Korean franchise cafes until it was taken over by a Chinese company. I used to enjoy Tous Les Jours' iced Americano, despite the decreased volume, and specifically asked for it to be served in a paper cup, not plastic. Furthermore, my fondness was likely influenced by my longstanding friendship with someone who had been enthusiastic about baking from an early age and eventually became a baker and then a manager at Tous Les Jours. Reasons aside, there was no reason for me not to visit this space. One day, my schedule brought me nearby, and I made my way to this space. Looking from the outside, the glass block pieces were arranged at a corner, sandwiched between two streets alongside Cheonggyecheon Stream. Interestingly, while this area has a concentration of cafes, the background against Gwanghwamun presents all buildings as high-rise, participating in the city's glamour, except for this one or two blocks of low-rise buildings tightly packed together, resembling a gym newbie among them. The facade of the building, adorned with translucent and opaque glass blocks, is engraved with unique human patterns, feels smaller against the urban backdrop. But stepping inside transforms the perspective – the opaque glass blocks instantly sever the connection to the vast city outside. ‘It’s like the city has been pixelated.’ But at the same time, allowing light in, reviving the fond memories of glass blocks from my childhood. Moreover, forgoing seating space for a lobby that extends from the first to the third floor showcases an airy disconnection from the city, adding to the unified aesthetic joy glass blocks provide. This unique spatial and visual effect completely disconnects one from the city of Gwanghwamun. The only perception of time here comes from the changing natural light. Thus, I ordered an iced Americano, not forgetting to add an Oreo cake to my order. Unlike a typical Tous Les Jours, this location in Gwanghwamun includes a basement meeting room, proving to be a useful space for changing atmospheres during lunch or afternoon meetings, or when company meeting rooms are insufficient. This usage aligns well with the land status of Gwanghwamun, making it all the more appreciated. In conclusion, this place aligns with my personal taste. Finally, similar to the opaque use in the Japanese Hermes building, which establishes a new visual relationship between the city and the internal space, this space uses opaque glass blocks to create a visual disconnection between the city and its inner space. For those who have visited such spaces in Japan, it’s a good place to experience and enjoy the difference in spatial enjoyment. It’s one method of visually blocking out the city, presenting a great alternative for utilizing light. The mosaic city – this place is #TousLesJoursSeorinDongCheonggyePlaza. Location _ Seoul, Jongno-gu, Cheonggyecheon-ro 17 Operating hours _ 07:00~23:00 [Mon~Fri], 08:00~23:00 [Sat~Sun] No parking Menu is the same as other branches.
Some glass blocks [translucent]
뷔뷔에스뮤지엄
I like glass blocks. My favorite construction material is 'brick' because I enjoy how it becomes more dignified over time with its heavy and solid feeling. Next, I like 'glass blocks.' This material, usually square-shaped and either translucent or opaque, might have been seen in swimming pools or old schools during one's childhood. In Korea, glass blocks are mostly used only in parts of a space. I know of a franchise coffee shop near Gwanghwamun that is entirely made of glass blocks, but it's hard to find larger-scale uses. A notable example abroad is the Hermes building in Ginza, Tokyo, and the Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts and Design building in the Netherlands. The reason I like glass blocks is simple. As a child, I used to go to swimming lessons in summer. The windows there were all made of glass blocks. Whenever I did several laps of freestyle, I would become breathless quickly and rest by the poolside, leaning on my arms and gasping for breath. I always liked the moments when I felt warmth from the faint sunlight coming through those windows, with my head laid toward the glass wall. Moreover, the fact that it doesn't completely block out the visuals from outside but doesn't specifically allow anything from outside to be visually discerned also played a role. Perhaps I thought of it as a mysterious wall that lets light in while ensuring privacy. Therefore, when I see buildings that use a lot of glass blocks, I always make sure to visit them. I recently visited the Hermes space in Ginza, Tokyo for the same reason. Today's space is not entirely completed with glass blocks but contains the charm of glass blocks, so I rushed there in a heartbeat. The exterior adorned with old-fashioned tiles, and among them, there are rounded parts where the staircase is surrounded by glass blocks. From the outside, the warm light projected inside and the twinkling orange of the glass blocks looked really good. Inside, there were cozy, retro-style interior accessories that matched well with the glass blocks. They even have a variety of desserts prepared. As this is a space I found based on my personal preference, I introduce it in case there are others who like glass blocks as I do. This place is #vvsmuseum near Sungshin Women's University. Location _ Seongbuk-gu, Dongsomun-ro 26-gil 9 Operating hours _ [Mon~Fri] 09:00~21:30, [Sat~Sun] 11:00~21:30 Parking not available [Use nearby public parking] Menu attached in the last picture Outdoor space allows pets.
Glass Block Whole [Opaque+White]
Dohwaji
You have a drawing paper. Young people of this age who have packed their heads tightly with no place to fill them anymore. Did you know that they were drawing paper? A blank white canvas. Why don't you put the things you put in here, saying it's okay if you don't like it, even if you fill it with only the things you want to do? Let's talk about the dream I wanted to draw with my loved ones in a space like delicious food and white drawing paper. — Drawing paper, what are you going to draw? - Guwol-dong, Incheon This is a neighborhood I visited a lot. It's been a while since I've been there for a while, and the town I've been to in a long time has changed a lot. The number of cafes and brunch cafes, which were few, gradually increased, and now there is a nice wine bar. - A space at the entrance of Guwol-dong. The glass block facade [the scene looking at each side of the building from the front] is silent and it is impossible to know what the space is doing. However, only the warm and affectionate noise that leaks out of the block passes over and over with the light. The entrance to the left, completely separated from the main road, makes it quite quiet even before entering. - A well-decorated space with translucent acrylic and glass. The middle seat was empty. Menu boards and explanations of the menu boards that come out without hesitation. The existing wine graph is well laid out in a graphic call. It was clearly recognizable without explanation, so it was a pretty and functional design. - Frozen grapes served as an appetizer before a meal and as a base for alcoholic beverages, and a wine bar are perfect for a space. Ordered wine, rib-eye steak, and neatly explained tongues all go well with this place. - Maybe a neatly empty space is as flat as a blank drawing paper. However, this space was filled with the stories of those who came for that reason. Couples who have just started dating, groups of people chatting with friends after a long time, and people welcoming their friends after waiting for a long time, the scenes made by people stood out more than the space. - What they drew on drawing paper to show as space was 'empty'. - Even if you and the person you love are alone, this space will completely make you the main characters. I hope you spend some time alone. - This is #Dohwaji, a wine bar in Guwol-dong, Incheon. - Location _ 4, Inha-ro 511beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon - No parking available (Nearby use) - Business hours _ 18-01 - Menu is attached. I recommend the pork belly. Tomato basil pasta is also highly recommended. Choose the wine according to your taste🙏🏻
Glass Block Facade [Transparent]
레이어10 카페
Stage of light, #Layer10cafe - It took a lot of time to decorate the space from Layer57 to Layer10. Layer 57 is a space located in Seongsu for a long time. It is a space from the Spring and Autumn Sengoku era of cafes, that is, when the author entered the first or second year of starting this project. It was a space where people often visited Seongsu and enjoyed it with their eyes. The space introduced today is layer10 café, the second rental studio and cafe. As always, layer prepares a huge studio. Although this is an advantage gained from remodeling Seongsu's factory, the remodeling of a factory of the same type clearly shows what the brand is pursuing. And it boasts perfect lighting. There was a time when I was satisfied with myself when I took a photo with strong contrast at the moment when the light came in on the 57. - Apart from that, today I want to focus on the cafe space. If I had to say next to brick, the author's favorite building material, it would be 'glass block'. It was widely considered a fashion in Korea long ago, so it is the same material that was used in all kinds of stairwells and stairwells. Relatively, I like aged ingredients, which are actually one of the ingredients that get worse with age. Still, the light coming through the burnt glass blocks at that time creates a different impression that is enough to make the space attractive. - The Layer 10 cafe is located on the mass where the glass blocks let in the light beautifully. - The use of simple materials, including a steel frame, a round iron column, and a table made of iron, is enough to give strength to the glass block. As always, the attention to the light environment is evident when you step inside. Light that spreads softly. According to the scattering of the light, the space changes its appearance. The light that falls, the light that comes in like a sword, and the silver that spreads out, there are various kinds of light, so it is delicious to watch the light that enters the space. Moreover, it is better to compose the space with achromatic colors to feel the pure color of light. - It is a space where you want to visit again on a sunny day and watch the face of the space change all day long. - This is #layer10 of Ttukseom, the stage of light. - Location _ 10 Sangwon 4-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul - Business hours _ 11-21 [MON OFF] - Parking is for rental studios, so it is recommended that cafe users call before using. - The menu is attached. - PS. This space is operated in accordance with the Corona virus quarantine guidelines in the metropolitan area.
Glass Block Whole [Translucent + De-standardized]
Hermès Ginza
Transparency of 45x45
Renzo Piano, an architect well known in Korea. Long ago, the KT Building in Gwanghwamun introduced his debut in Korea, but since it is an office building with restricted access, his popularity is not very high among the general public. However, his designs are always transparent, so it is easy to recognize his work.
He is a world-renowned architect who won the "Pritzker Prize" in 1998, considered the Nobel Prize of architecture. He is also known for designing the Pompidou Center in Paris with the well-known architect Richard Rogers through the "DaeHyunDaeSeoul" space.
His spaces can be summarized in a few points: "lightness, transparency, light."
These three elements are the most important factors he considers in designing spaces, and like Richard Rogers, he is famous for his "high-tech architecture." Today's spaces, as can be seen in photos, reflect his beliefs well, serving as commercial and artistic spaces. MASION HERMES in Ginza, Tokyo, is a building surrounded by glass blocks measuring 45cm * 45cm. This space communicates visually with the city through the penetration of light day and night. From the inside, one can see the movements outside as shadows, and from the outside, one can see the movements inside as shadows. Moreover, because the facade is surrounded by transparent blocks, it becomes a giant lighthouse illuminating the city like a torch at night.
Although a building surrounded by glass blocks may seem light and fragile, not like a building, he implemented the internal structure and environmental system well, reflecting his preference for high-tech architecture. Especially in a country like Japan where earthquakes occur frequently, seismic design was considered an important aspect. [The structure may have been solved by an architecture company. Japan has many skillful structural design companies.]
Today's space is a space that communicates with the city through these transparent glass blocks. Furthermore, as a commercial space and the headquarters of Hermes Japan, this space also communicates with the local community as a cultural space. An art gallery is located on the 8th floor of the building, showcasing exhibitions sponsored by the Hermes Foundation featuring the works of today's popular artists and experimental exhibitions like the building.
In particular, the space where light seeps through the glass blocks may not be considered an ideal environment for an art gallery, but the unique atmosphere created by the space provides a special enjoyment where artworks are presented in a new light. The sight of people walking through the glass block backgrounds while viewing art becomes another form of art.
Through him, the space evokes new emotions.
The transparent space created by the seemingly impossible light 45cm glass blocks allowing light into the interior creates a very alien and interesting experience. Perhaps this is a space that is not easy to come by in Korea.
This transparent place created by 45cm glass blocks is Hermes Ginza.
📍Location | 5 Chome-4-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
⏰Hours | 11-19
💴Art Gallery Admission | Free
🧔🏻Design | RPBW [Renzo Piano Building Workshop]
Glass block façade [translucent + curved stacking]
S'mores Saigon - Phan Tôn
ma non troppo
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: But don't overdo it.
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It reminds me of a place I visited a long time ago at the mouth of Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan. It was the summer of 16. It was a time when cafes were just booming in Busan. At that time, a shabby, narrow-floored building in Jung-gu had been turned into a cafe. Although it was small, it was very interesting that he tried to continuously show scenes of the space up to the roof. It is a common type now, but at the time, it was not an easy idea to change all the old buildings like this one by one. The walls and stairs of the old building were kept intact. A space in an appropriate way to protect what needs to be kept, and to break down and change things that need to be changed. The reason I remember that space is because there is such a space here in Ho Chi Minh.
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To talk about today's space, we need to know the history of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh was occupied by Western countries. France occupied Vietnam here. And at that time, this place was called 'Saigon' as we commonly know it. However, in 1945, in the same year as Korea, Ho Chi Minh was the center and liberation was celebrated. it is liberation And I decided to call this city 'Ho Chi Minh' after him.
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Since then, cities have inherited a system completely different from that of Korea and developed, but the pattern of city creation is similar. Ho Chi Minh, which developed mainly on agriculture, begins to see capital inflows, and like ours, it depicts a city with a mix of styles. There is the style of the border country of China, the style of Japan, which quickly brought capital to this area, and the modern concrete building with the 'Dome Ino' system applied. At that time, it was difficult to procure the quantity, so there are places where buildings were built in the same way as in Korea [the method of building a building by stacking bricks; Finally, there are French neoclassical buildings built during the colonial period. This city is rich in the style of space. The streets of Paris, where the language of the city is arranged and the horizontal system is applied, is also beautiful, but in terms of urban richness, I think such a city is more beautiful.
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A space in such a city is the protagonist of today.
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This space is an old building like the building in Jung-gu, Busan. And the same masonry building. The method is the same, such as tearing down unnecessary parts and reinforcing necessary parts. However, if there is something else, the area of the building seen from the entrance looks small, but it is deep behind. You can go back a long way. Since the floor is a long rectangular shape, the long station, which can be easily seen on average in cafes, naturally fits into the shape of the floor. The stairs are as they were in the past. Old bricks can be seen through the cracks in some places. And as it is a summer country, outdoor seating is a must. On the 2nd floor terrace, you can drink coffee while looking out. And all you need is a seat. Pour concrete again to make a chair and position the desk. Tear down some floors to create a cool open atrium in between. It is narrow and long, but abundant. The sense of space is rich. To get from the second floor to the back, you have to use the stairs about half the floor. There is a middle floor there, but it is still half a floor down, so the floor height is higher than the second floor. None of these spaces have the same floor height or the same floor shape. It creates the maximum sense of space by touching little by little in the frame of the given existing space. Preserving and remembering things from the past, touching only the necessary parts and writing them well. At the same time, glass blocks are beautifully stacked on the facade of the building [viewed from the east, west, south, and north facades] to add a modern appreciation. Of course, the original frame of the building remains.
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People are doing well here. As it is a cozy and rich sense of space, people are spread out here and there, and the way they sit and do things is different. Couples who use laptops, dating couples, student spaces for homework assignments are abundant, and the actions and scenes of people using them are diverse.
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So, in order to accompany all of this, the intention of the designer who recognized the historical fact and knew what to protect and change is clearly revealed. A little touch and a little addition. That's it.
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things are But don't overdo it: this is Ho Chi Minh's s'mores saigon caffe.
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Location _ 1A Phan Tôn, Ward, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000 Vietnam (VN)
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Parking _ Only for motorcycles
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Business hours _ 08 ~ 22
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The menu is attached. Pak Sio [Vietnamese condensed milk coffee] It's really good. Please enjoy.
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PS. This space is being operated in accordance with the Vietnam government corona prevention guidelines. Please note that there is no inconvenience in using the space.