위례고운초등학교

Nestled amidst the urban landscape of Seoul, Wirye Go-un Elementary School stands as a testament to thoughtful design and community spirit. Opened on March 1, 2016, Wirye Go-un Elementary serves the children of the Wirye New Town. The school’s unique design arose from a challenging set of circumstances. The original site, tucked between Deoksu High School and a large apartment complex, presented numerous obstacles. Limited space, a steep slope, and the entrance to a busy underground parking lot posed significant safety concerns for the children. The architects, TAAL Architects, ingeniously addressed these challenges, transforming limitations into opportunities. They created a “porous box” design, integrating the school’s exterior walls with a non-load bearing wall featuring various shaped openings. This innovative approach not only enhanced safety but also gave Wirye Go-un Elementary a distinctive and playful facade. Locals have affectionately nicknamed it the “Jerry’s Cheese Building,” a testament to its whimsical appearance and integration into the community. The architects of Wirye Go-un Elementary prioritized creating a space that fosters both physical and emotional safety. The varied shapes of the arched openings stimulate curiosity and imagination. Inside, these openings frame shifting views of the city and nature, encouraging observation and a sense of connection with the outside world. Wirye Go-un Elementary also emphasizes fostering relationships and connections. The school’s design intentionally blurs the lines between classrooms and corridors. A large, light-filled hall serves as a multi-use space, encouraging interaction between different age groups. A prominent open staircase connects the four levels of the building, creating visual and acoustic links. While a planned slide and plant display area were unfortunately removed for safety reasons, the circular passages and interconnected classrooms remain, promoting a sense of unity and community.