Korean architect Moon Hoon has designed a museum complex in Seoul, housing a collection of pinocchio related artifacts. The museum is situated on an irregularly shaped piece of land, and comprises three buildings, each with their own program and distinct identity.
The architect positioned the three buildings towards the edges of the plot, oriented around a central park complete with a large pinocchio statue. The museum also includes underground parking space. The first structure, which functions primarily as a museum for the wooden dolls, encompasses a small courtyard intended to host impromptu outdoor performances. The building is named “Wave and Whale” in reference to a particular pinocchio story that involves a large storm.
The second Structure places an emphasis on interactive programing, hosting movies, concerts and other larger events. It is named ‘Whale Tale’ and houses a collection of large character dolls with accompanying tables and seats. The whale’s “head” contains a curved and high-ceilinged auditorium for shows and performances for both children and adults.
Tthe third building called “The Nose Fountain”, accommodates the museum shop, a cafeteria and a small workshop. An extruded steel nose provides background audio, while the shape of the windows spells out simple words in morse code. The balcony can open on both sides, providing a visual link with the adjacent forest. meanwhile, an elevated café provides pleasant views across the site.
