© Artefact

In Seoul, sometimes, things aren’t always what they seem. The South Korean capital has already made a name for itself as a hotbed of alluring new brands and innovative retail concepts, and the newly opened Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, or simply CCCS, is exemplary of new wave of hybrid venues. Occupying approx. 689 sqm. (7,416 sq.ft.) spread across four floors of an existing structure in the leafy Hannam neighbourhood of town, the premises have been redesigned by local architecture practice Artefact, and sees a series of understated settings which seamlessly adapt to the building’s dimensions. Mind you, CCCS is a hybrid concept as it features a different concept on each floor. The basement is home to CCCS Salon, a cozy café and bar serving coffee concoctions, teas and pastries, but also alcoholic beverages, while the ground floor, with its uniquely shaped staircase, and the one above, marked by a grid-patterned exterior wall, serve as exhibition spaces with a rotating programme of shows.

Surprisingly, the third floor is a fashion store stocking a product range which reflect the identity of the CCCS brand. Initially, the floors and stairwells were not only empty, but also separated and disconnected to increase efficiency. A new coherence has been created by finding a new balance between openness and accessibility on the one hand, and exclusivity and demarcation on the other, but retaining a degree of flexibility to adapt to various activities and events. Notable implementations include an entirely new staircase between the first and second floors, while a whole created in the ceiling of the second floor allows a visual connection with the shop on the upper floor. Aptly dubbed CCCS Store, the retail space is as understated as the settings below, and is stocked with a collection of streetwear apparel pieces for men and women. The CCCS rooftop, entirely dipped in a pristine white hue, features a Zen-like setting where to sit back and relax. © superfuture

Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies
34 Daesagwan-ro (Hannam)
04403 Seoul
Daily 11am-2am café / bar
Daily 11am-8pm gallery
Wed-Sun 11am-8pm store

© Artefact