Interviews with Cre-Te

In Korea, we often use the word ‘slipper area’(a neighborhood in the heart of it all). It means an area where you can wear slippers and live. New York Center wanted to realize a one-stop service space that can lead a variety of lifestyles in a miniature place in the park, and we are proud to have created more than 90% of it. This can be achieved with the active support of the client and the constant efforts of our team.

The project is still 15 months away from completion. Maybe in 15 months, I will experience and use this space myself.

I started this project in 2017, and even in the process of changing the business owner, I was able to continue working on this project. I think it was a rare opportunity. It took 5 years to complete the concept and plan. If you think about the point of completion of the building, you can see that it has invested 7 years in the project. It can be said that there is no project in Korea with a planning period like this.

This project, which has a complex program, was carried out by myself from planning to design. The client has provided active support in many areas in this area. In the end, we were able to come up with a design and marketable result.

As answered in other question, I like Daniel Libeskind's design. The design of this project is a completely different design in the larger context, but I think I borrowed some elements.

I don't think there is a similar project in Korea, but from the point of view of a complex project, I think it is the largest 'park' in Korea.

The spatial brand name of the project is ‘Park the Urban’. It is intended to remind you of New York's Central Park, which was used as a motif, and to apply this much sky park to the city center in Korea, a high-density city beyond New York.

My company solved all the design and technical aspects, and collaborated with a medium-sized architectural design office on the scale of the project.

A large-scale survey was conducted to analyze business feasibility and define user characteristics and targets. Consumer preferences for central commercial facilities near the site were investigated, and such objective data were actively utilized in project composition. The program's composition and MD also utilized these data.

There is a large multiplex in the program, and an office of 60,000 py(198,350㎡) is formed on top of it. A lot of time has been devoted to structural review to address this. And consumer preference and market analysis for office sailing is also a part of the effort.

Since domestic awards target completion of construction, we decided to submit it to leading overseas awards that prioritize design. It was also because it took too much time to wait for these achievements until completion. We also decided that it would be a great help in promoting Cre-te's design skills.

The effort of one or two people is not enough to design a space of this scale. Of course, there were numerous participants, and it was also difficult to lead them. It seems that there are over 70 actual participants. Leading and materializing the design required the ability to bring the team together, so I think I was able to learn how to control myself as well.

Cre-te is a design group that provides total design solutions related to space, including real estate development, architecture, interior, spatial branding, and product design.

I think that is the realm of design, not limited to any field, but embracing everything that leads one's life. I think it's an act of programming the hardware that starts with the city and the actions that take place in it, directing everything around you, from the software design that moves the hardware.

Architect Daniel Libeskind's Jewish Museum.

Architect Daniel Libeskind's Jewish Museum remains my favorite to this day. I think that in this work, both sound and light and the flow of time were intended by the architect and made into a specific space. Currently, my design state also wants to direct all of this. I want to design the environment and even the temperature that people feel.

The first project after establishing a design group called Cre-te was the R&D center of a sportswear brand. This project did not focus on the spatialization of research facilities, but rather on the researcher's activities. We intended a space that induces the movement of actors such as running, jumping, and swinging.

Light. This is because light is the most important element in grasping the shape of all objects and an indispensable concept in spatial planning.

Well, I think it is a field that is very far from the word creativity. This is because I think that the beginning of every project is the process of creating rational results based on objective data based on analysis of user behavior and experience, shape of nature, and market flow.

Analysis and data collection. In the end, I think this process of analysis is the most important because it is planning the space that people use.

exciting and hard at the same time.

proud and sad at the same time.

It seems like time. It's like the 10,000 hour rule. And I think it's about constantly studying myself.

Consider usability first. No matter how beautiful the formative beauty is, if it does not meet the function, I think it is as bad as not doing it.

I think administrators and designers are in the same spot. If it is an administrator who creates social principles, I think that there is also a designer's good deed by realizing their direction. For example, the process of using zero-carbon energy sources or persuading them is also the responsibility and role of the designer.

Convergence and virtual reality, real space and meta space, reality and unreality, all of these will expand into the field of space designers. Just as AI is also constructed in an infinite space, all fields begin within a proposition of space. This trend will eventually pass into the realm of dematerialization.

The last exhibition was in December 2019, and the next exhibition is scheduled to be held this August.

It is headquartered in Korea. Localism is obviously influencing my design. It is not just a simple design vocabulary, but the design result should be different according to the habits, weather, and culture of the people in the area. Korea is a country with a history of 5,000 years. Of course, there are endless things that can be found as motifs for design. However, since the beginning of modern architecture was later than in Europe and Japan, there is also a problem of low recognition as a designer. I think the solution to this part is a very easy but difficult part.

The first step in any design process is research and analysis. After that, the brand and character of the space are decided, and the process of shaping them is followed. This three-step process leads to the most efficient answer when negotiating with the client.

Spatial designers can always be at the forefront of trends and market trends regardless of field. This is also the reason why cultural styles and art cannot be separated from space. The downside is that you always have to study and you can't imitate.

I think the most important ability is analytical ability and imagination that can materialize it.

I tend to use my time very inefficiently. Once you start one, you don't stop until you get the result. Except for my family, I tend to invest everything in my design.

The most frequently asked questions are the design cost question and how to set up a concept.

Clients range from large corporations to individual clients.

People can contact you via email on the home page or by phone. www.cre-te.com

The vision of I Park The Urban complex cultural space was inspired by a global change to unified urban life. Recognizing a modern society with a growing demand for convenience and connectivity, we envisioned a space where culture, leisure, shopping, and food services naturally converge, and this concept reflects changing urban life patterns where work, leisure, and everyday needs are interconnected. By creating a dynamic ecosystem that promotes community participation and enriches everyday life, it fulfills the efficiency and balance that modern people need and redefines the urban life experience.

I Park The Urban's geothermal system leverages stable underground temperatures to reduce energy consumption and provide efficient heating and cooling. At the same time, solar panels utilize renewable energy to power essential operations and minimize reliance on fossil fuels. This dual approach halves the carbon footprint compared to similar projects and ensures long-term sustainability. This integration reflects our commitment to green innovation and sets a new benchmark for urban complex cultural spaces.

"Big Box and Downtown Village" harmonized between architectural minimalism and complex programming requirements. "Big Box" provides an integrated and concise structure that efficiently accommodates a variety of features, while "Downtown Village" promotes community interaction through people-centric elements and intimate spaces. With strategic zoning, modular placement, and multifunctional space design, flexibility is achieved without visual confusion, and this approach combines simplicity and functionality to create a dynamic yet integrated environment that celebrates both shape and human connection.

It is the first urban-style store in Korea by IKEA, a global furniture company, and its key design is an organic link between IKEA’s anchor retail and complex culture space. It considered the composition of IKEA on the back of the building, underground marts, and a huge loading system for shopping malls, and the proportion of the entire building with a blue box symbolizing IKEA on the front.

I Park the Urban complex comes from a complete integration of live office functionality and sophisticated design. I believe buyers especially sympathized with the adaptive layout that meets their work and personal needs. High-end materials, coworking spaces, and wellness facilities enhance the appeal. This holistic approach that encompasses all elements of urban life is a deeply relatable space for modern buyers seeking flexibility, convenience, and a well-rounded lifestyle in one space.

To achieve harmony between the components of the lifestyle village and the office in the form of a bridge, a systematic approach was adopted. To strategically position the village and office to construct a balanced mass and to strengthen the cityscape and connectivity, we introduced openings and glass elements. The gradual transition between volumes induces a natural gaze on the user, and the green and connecting paths are blurred to smooth out the boundaries. This approach balances functionality and aesthetic elements, creating a dynamic environment where work and lifestyle spaces are harmoniously integrated.

Clay-based ceramics and tiles used in the I Park The Urban complex cultural space were chosen for their sustainability and long-term functionality. These materials were chosen for their durability, low maintenance costs, and eco-friendly production processes that minimize carbon emissions. Not only does the ceramic's natural aesthetics blend seamlessly into indoor and outdoor spaces in harmony with the project's design philosophy, but its excellent insulation performance increases energy efficiency, and its high durability ensures long-term use. This careful material choice reflects the will to create a sustainable and timeless architectural environment.

I Park The Urban complex cultural space is poised to redefine urban development in Seoul’s eastern economic hub by setting a precedent for integrated, multifunctional spaces. This project blends culture, commerce, and community, demonstrating how mixed-use developments can enhance urban vitality. Its innovative design prioritizes sustainability, connectivity, and human-centric spaces, inspiring future developments to adopt similar approaches. By fostering economic growth and social engagement, I Park The Urban is more than a landmark—it is a blueprint for creating dynamic and sustainable urban environments.

Rather than a formative emphasis, the priority was to create a village that was approached from a lifestyle point of view and composed of simple chunks of various programs with a safe artificial environment. We carefully planned the movement system so that various lifestyle programs could be placed in a simple and large space to form a village and intuitively explore various spaces from commercial to cultural spaces. The smooth transition of indoor and outdoor spaces reflects an inclusive approach to increase usability and connect communities, transforming everyday activities into curated experiences of urban life where users are more comfortable and immersive.

Integrating smart glass technology redefined the living experience of high-income consumers. With dynamic control over lighting and privacy, residents can customize their surroundings for relaxation, productivity, or entertainment, and the energy-efficient nature of smart glass combines luxury and sustainability with reduced heating and cooling costs. This innovative technology improves comfort, convenience, and aesthetic appeal, providing a modern customized living space that reflects the sophistication of the residents.

Asty Garak's units are designed to meet the changing lifestyle needs of Korea's young and wealthy class. With the focus on flexibility, it provides transformable spaces for telecommuting, personal hobbies, or social gatherings. Open-plan living rooms, high ceilings, and large windows that extend up to the ceiling maximize the sense of openness, and smart home technology adds convenience. Modern secret storage and multifunctional furniture options enhance functionality, and these elements offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and practicality to fit into modern urban life.

Asty Garak's GFRC system demonstrates a convergence of durability and sustainability. Through testing and innovation, we have developed a lightweight and powerful material that lasts for more than 100 years for advanced materials and complete construction of curves. Advanced additives and protective coatings ensure resistance to moisture, temperature changes, and the system becomes a sustainable asset for future generations by reflecting an architectural vision that reduces maintenance needs, lowers carbon emissions, and harmoniously combines durability and environmental responsibility.

Asty Garak's 3-bay construction is designed to cater to the MZ generation who value value while maximizing comfort in an average 40-square-meter space. With the smart space configuration, functional spaces for living, working, and relaxation are efficiently placed within a small area. High-end materials, minimalist finishes, and built-in storage offer a luxurious aesthetic while maintaining practicality, while high windows and colorful furniture enrich the space. This meticulous design combines efficiency and elegance to deliver a modern lifestyle tailored to the needs of the younger generation.

The wave-inspired entrances and community spaces incorporate dynamic design and sensory elements to capture the essence of "pleasure." Wavy shapes and flexible curves represent movement and liveliness, and wide glass windows fill the space with natural light. Rich natural light and reflective surfaces create a bright and pleasant atmosphere, while warm, textured materials like wood and stone add a sense of comfort and connection. Carefully placed community spaces promote exchange and belonging, and harmonize organic forms and people-centered details to provide an experience full of joy and harmony beyond simple spaces.

The Asty Garak redefines compact living by balancing space efficiency with luxury amenities, capturing a new market segment in Korea. Our team prioritized smart layouts that maximize functionality without sacrificing comfort, incorporating built-in storage and adaptable furniture to optimize space. High-end finishes, advanced home automation, and premium communal facilities elevate the living experience. By blending practicality with sophistication, we created a product that appeals to modern residents seeking both efficiency and elegance in urban living.

A' Design Award recognition highlighted the Asty Garak residential building's innovative approach, and the project, which combines sustainable design, efficient space utilization, and advanced amenities, re-established the standard of urban housing. This success inspires developers to prioritize community-oriented deployment, eco-friendly technology, and adaptable residential solutions. Asty Garak is positioned as a model that paves the way to creative, eco-friendly, and residential housing projects.

We strategically reflected the drainage system in our design to prepare for potential flooding. In addition, we respected the regional context by utilizing materials and shapes that reflected the topography and culture of the region. Respecting the local identity while addressing environmental challenges, the building harmoniously captures safety, sustainability, and aesthetic values.

The Asty Garak set to be completed in October 2025, will redefine luxury compact living in Korea through its groundbreaking features. The integration of adaptable layouts allows residents to maximize functionality within limited spaces, while premium materials and finishes elevate the overall living experience. Cutting-edge smart home technologies enhance convenience, and community-focused amenities promote a balanced lifestyle. This project will influence the evolution of compact living by demonstrating that efficiency, elegance, and comfort can seamlessly coexist.