By 2022, the Korean American National Museum will have a permanent home in Los Angeles—after some 20 years of discussion. Morphosis unveiled the design this week at a public event announcing $4 million in funding from the State of California to support the project. Since the Museum’s founding in 1991, it has partnered with other local cultural centers to house satellite exhibitions and events. The new building will finally give the museum a dedicated space in Los Angeles’ Koreatown.
The L.A–based firm’s plans feature native Korean design elements such as a landscape of maple, pine, and bamboo atop a sculptural roof garden and terrace. Below, a traditional Hanok-style courtyard will serve as a central space surrounded by galleries and offices. Streetside, more greenery and a pattered facade will invite visitors into engage with its cultural programming including lectures, performances, and exhibitions.
The Morphosis team is predominately led by Korean and Korean Americans, including partner Eui-Sung Yi, project principal for the Museum.
“This museum honors the sacrifices and hardships of our parents and grandparents while showcasing the fruits of those sacrifices: the accomplishments of future generations. We aimed to reflect this sentiment in our design,” said Eui-Sung Yi.
The Korean National Museum is slated to break ground in 2020 and be completed by 2022.