Root Square
Root Square is a mixed-use cultural complex that integrates the headquarters of the smart farm enterprise ‘MANNA CEA’ with production facilities, such as hydroponic greenhouses and aquafarms, alongside public amenities like cafes and restaurants. By allowing agricultural and cultural programs to coexist, the project not only disseminates new agricultural technologies but also fosters local cultural networking. Notably, the site hosted ‘House Vision Korea 2022,’ directed by designer Kenya Hara. Despite the large scale of the facility, the design employs a series of smaller, connected roof volumes to create a collective landscape reminiscent of a village typology.
The English word ‘Cultivation’ shares its etymological roots with ‘Culture.’ The core design intent, "Let’s cultivate culture in the greenhouse", aims to realize a romantic vision of rural life in a culturally underserved region while simultaneously instilling that same sentiment in visitors from the city. Rather than viewing the countryside merely as a “local” periphery from an urban standpoint, the project proposes a reciprocal relationship that redefines the dynamic between the city and the rural.
The site is characterized by a natural slope descending from the access road. Leveraging this topography, the two-story structure is nestled into the grade to present a visual profile that resembles a cluster of single-story buildings. Within the complex, the "Cultivation House" is designed to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior. It is a vessel where plants and culture grow in unison, acting as a shared space where employees and visitors alike can engage in diverse cultural activities.
The interior of the "Cultivation House" features expansive wooden decks, leveled to the height of a chair, interspersed throughout the landscaping. These platforms interpret the ‘Pyeongsang,’ a traditional flat wooden bench that serves as a community hub in Korean rural villages. The decks are versatile; chairs placed around the perimeter transform the platforms into tables, while a central stage area accommodates events ranging from small weddings to live performances. Additionally, four distinct 5mx5m zones enveloped by vegetation provide intimate spaces for exhibitions, meetings, and reading, creating dedicated pockets for the cultivation of culture.
