Galleria Department Store Gwanggyo

mongsang_magazine

The 'Galleria', making its name known for the first time in 1970, is a high-end department store franchise leading the trend. This prestigious entity has rooted its sixth branch in the heart of Kwanggyo new city. Designed by 'Jean Nouvel', hailed as a leader among modern architects, this location became famous from the moment its rendering images were released, due to its innovative facade design that resembles a huge rock, creating a naturally agreeable notion of the warm interest it has garnered. The facade, constructed using granite tiles, is known to incorporate no less than 14 types of granite. These granites, alongside a glass roof that seems to have jewels embedded in a rock, achieve a remarkably aesthetic harmony. Echoing the sentiments of the construction period, the building's exterior is intended to infuse vitality and dynamism, resembling an uncut gem shining alone in the dark strata. The glass roof is not only a significant aspect of the building's exterior but also plays a pivotal role symbolically. The department store is designed to focus more on the internal content by not having openings that see outside. However, with the concept of 'Lights in your life', openings that connect to the outside across all floors are meticulously included through one roof, bringing in 'organically connected light'. This approach represents a meaningful act, diverging from conventional department stores. Ascending through the roof, from areas with glass flooring to an 'Art Road' composed of various exhibitions, the configuration engenders meaning not merely through the material and form of glass but through integrating users' lifestyles and culture. Galleria Kwanggyo brings together lifestyles and cultures, like Kwanggyo's downtown, Lake Park, and countless spectrums of light, creating additional significance. Large commercial facilities such as department stores occupy significant areas and exert substantial influence in a city. The role such a building plays is immensely important. Among domestic buildings, few inspire the feeling, 'There should be more buildings like this', and '#KwanggyoGalleria' is one of those places. P.S. There are no internal photos due to regular closing during the visit.