This project aims to make the circular economy tangible for everyone, in order to sensibilize people to the paradigm shift and changes in the global economy. The idea is to transform manufacturing into a Museum of production, where every visitor can come in and have a tour, in order to better understand the circular process. The main transformation process of plastic bottles into Hanbok (Korean traditional clothes for special events,such as weddings) is already used by different brands, but some improvements that allow the manufacturing to benefit from energy and resource savings were made.
The project seeks to create a strong relationship with the neighborhood. The bottles are collected from restaurants and coffee shops around the Sewoon building, where they’re transformed into rolls of fabric. The fabric is then exported to local tailors and artisans, located close to the building, who work on the finishing touches of the Hanbok (a tailor also works in the building as part of the exhibition). The products then come back to the building to be rented or sold. The intervention takes place close to the Hotel, which is a potential customer base. In addition to rent and sell locations, a space for events on the rooftop terrace is also provided, where the Hanboks can be worn for special celebrations. The idea of transforming the urban manufacture into a museum of production is marked by the ramps that embrace the production from top to bottom, creating a strong relation between the visitors and the manufacturing process.
The main focus of the architectural intervention was the creation of a firsthand experience with circular economy, rooted in the culture and context of the Sewoon Maker city. The building should shape the narrative of the production process and invite people in to learn and participate in the circular model. Ultimately, the added value of turning a linear economy product into a garment with special meaning and attachment was at the center of the design.