When attempting to evoke images of environments and atmospheres from the prehistoric landscape, an illuminated stainless steel cylinder might not seem the most obvious architectural form to employ. However, French practice X-tu architects don’t see it that way, as demonstrated by their work on the Jeongok Prehistory Museum. Opened in April 2011, the building contains exhibition, education, research and activity spaces, with its linear shape acting as a guide for visitors. Referred to by one critic as ‘a time capsule’, the seemingly modern design initially seems at odds with its site. However, X-tu’s approach was heavily inspired by the site’s geography, with the curve of the building referencing the watery surroundings that once existed nearby. Snake skins and traditional Korean dragons are also credited by the building’s architects as inspiration.

The building bridges two small peaks, physically encapsulating the museum’s aim of being a threshold between modern times and the historic past. The form also takes on different identities, lit up by natural light during the day and illuminated by artificial lighting behind small punctures in the metallic facade during the night.

The high-gloss of the perforated façade reflects surrounding scenery and activity, presenting a different view to each visitor as they move around the heavily landscaped exterior. Pathways shift above and below the building, breaking down boundaries between the interior and exterior, aiming to get users as close as possible to museum’s unique façade.

Praised for creating ‘tension within the landscape’, the building that houses the Jeongok Prehistory Museum succeeds in creating a compelling environment, transforming traditional and site-specific concepts into a thoroughly modern space. A space so modern and compelling that it can only be criticsed for perhaps overshadowing the content of the museum itself.

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