Galleria in Gwangyyo, South Korea

Public Walkway: a gravitation point for public life The building in Gwanggyo, opened in March 2020, is the sixth branch of Galleria – the largest up-market department store franchise in Korea. The solid, changing volumes of stone in its façade of finely-structured mosaic, echoes the nature in the neighbouring Suwon Gwanggyo Lake Park. A dynamic and richly-faceted glass walkway loops around the stone and breaks out of it, reminding us of underground termite passages, forming a ‘Sky Bridge’ that contrasts with the opaque character of the stone. The material breaks out of a layer of giant cliffs and provides brilliant light, like a precious stone. Transparent glass surfaces allow visitors to sense the light that penetrates the building and extends how it spatially relates to the city promenade. This walkway, consisting of a sequence of cascade-like terraces, provides space for exhibitions and performances. This lifestyle complex in Gwanggyo does not just accommodate commercial areas, but also a large congress centre, a luxurious office complex, hotels and an aquarium within 137,714 square metres of space. Exhibitions, culture and entertainments combine to create a new paradigm for what is associated with department stores – to become a new landmark for Korea. A prestigious atmosphere is inspired by stylish effects: the Galleria in Gwanggyo is fitted with the classic JUNG LS 990 design in stainless steel, aluminium and dark, along with the A Creation design range in aluminium and matt anthracite. These versions in top-quality metal make their restrained, exclusive mark, without dominating and they fit naturally into the futuristic architecture. The JUNG KNX technology additionally ensures intelligent blinds and lighting operation. The building technology is conveniently and centrally operated through the JUNG push-button sensors.