Architectural Cases

In 2023, Chakchak Studio completed the Waveworks Yangyang Workation Center, an innovative public architectural project in Yangyang-gun, South Korea. This center, encompassing 272 square meters, was conceived to address the increasing demand for remote work opportunities by offering a space that seamlessly integrates professional obligations with leisure activities. Drawing inspiration from the unique coastal lifestyle of Yangyang-gun, a renowned surfing destination, the design emphasizes an open, multi-functional interior crafted from materials like wood, glass, and concrete. This facility exemplifies a new paradigm for the contemporary workforce, providing an environment where individuals can maintain productivity while immersed in a relaxed, vacation-like setting.

Yangyang-gun holds a distinctive position in South Korea as one of the rare locations blessed with surfable waves, fostering a vibrant and specific local culture around this aquatic sport. The Waveworks Yangyang Workation Center leverages this unique geographical and cultural context. Its design by Chakchak Studio deliberately avoids rigid spatial divisions, instead promoting an adaptable layout that encourages both focused work and recreational pursuits. This architectural approach not only supports the practical needs of remote workers but also enhances their overall well-being by facilitating a harmonious blend of their professional and personal lives within an inspiring natural environment.

The concept of a 'workation'—a portmanteau of 'work' and 'vacation'—is central to the center's mission. It acknowledges the evolving nature of employment in the digital age, where geographical boundaries increasingly pose less of a constraint on professional activities. By situating such a facility in a prime leisure spot, Chakchak Studio has created a model that challenges traditional notions of the workplace. The architecture itself, characterized by its use of natural materials and expansive, light-filled areas, mirrors the freedom and flexibility inherent in the workation lifestyle. The choice of wood, glass, and concrete contributes to a contemporary yet inviting aesthetic, allowing the building to harmoniously blend with its coastal surroundings while providing robust functionality.

The center's success lies in its ability to cater to a diverse group of users, from digital nomads to local residents seeking a change of scenery for their daily tasks. The open-plan interiors are designed to be reconfigurable, supporting various activities from individual concentrated work to collaborative projects and informal social gatherings. This adaptability ensures that the space remains relevant and appealing to a broad spectrum of users, reflecting the dynamic requirements of modern professional life. Furthermore, the integration of public architecture principles means that the center serves not just as a workplace but also as a community hub, further embedding it within the local culture of Yangyang-gun.

The Waveworks Yangyang Workation Center by Chakchak Studio represents a forward-thinking solution for the modern professional, offering a compelling blend of career development and personal rejuvenation. This facility in South Korea's surfing mecca provides a dynamic environment where individuals can seamlessly combine their professional responsibilities with the pleasures of a leisurely coastal retreat, truly embodying the spirit of the workation movement.

The renowned Lúcio Costa House, an architectural gem from 1988 located in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, has undergone a significant transformation led by architect Amanda Arcuri. This renovation project centered on redefining the kitchen's role, shifting it from a previously secluded and compact area to the central, dynamic core of the home. This change reflects the contemporary evolution of residential living patterns, where the kitchen is no longer just a functional space but a lively gathering point for diverse activities and interactions.

A Modern Revival for a Historic Residence

In the picturesque setting of Rio de Janeiro, the Lúcio Costa House, originally designed in 1988, recently saw its 90 square meter interior thoughtfully updated. The renovation, completed in 2024 by Amanda Arcuri, specifically focused on the kitchen area. Historically, the kitchen of this residence, like many of its era, was conceived as a smaller, more contained room, isolated from the main living spaces. However, with modern lifestyles increasingly valuing open-plan living and integrated social areas, this design proved to be less aligned with contemporary needs. Amanda Arcuri's vision was to organically merge the kitchen with the adjacent spaces, transforming it into a capacious and inviting environment. This reimagined kitchen now functions as a central hub, fostering greater interaction and serving as a versatile area for cooking, dining, and social gatherings, thereby enhancing the home's overall flow and liveability.

This thoughtful renovation project serves as a compelling reminder of how architectural spaces, even those with historical significance, must adapt to evolving human needs and lifestyles. It highlights the importance of re-evaluating and modernizing existing structures to ensure they remain relevant and functional in contemporary society. Arcuri's work exemplifies a successful blend of preserving architectural heritage while embracing innovative design to create spaces that truly resonate with modern living.