Secret Gardens

Olson Kundig Architects, Secret Garden

The concept of a secret garden came about through several creative meetings with Suh. At the heart of the experience is a series of “outdoor rooms”—a tree house, maze garden, mist room, archaeological dig, bird’s nest, and elephant fountain. With sculptures by Suh and mechanical animals fabricated by local art students and craftspeople, the spaces in the garden were designed for discovery.

Olson Kundig Architects worked closely with the design team from Shinsegae and artist Do-Ho Suh to create a “secret garden” for children and families in the city of Uijeongbu, South Korea. Located on the roof of a 9-story department store, this active play area and lush garden is an oasis of trees, plants and flowers comprised exclusively of native species from South Korea.

The master planning includes a series of secret discoveries for visitors to make: an art installation by Do-Ho Suh, a mysterious mist garden, a maze garden, a wading pool and several tree houses that visitors can climb and play inside.

The garden offers both contemplative spaces and active spaces for children to explore, climb, splash and play while surrounded by fanciful bird and animal sculptures built from reclaimed lumber and found materials.
To see more:

http://www.arthitectural.com/olson-kundig-architects-secret-garden/