Administration Building, Seoul National University

Administration Building, Seoul National University

The Seoul National University Main Building (currently the Administration Building) was planned under the campus master plan. Surrounded by high mountains and situated on a steeply sloped site, the design maximized these natural conditions to harmonize with nature. The building is positioned along an axis connecting the front plaza and the central library at the rear. The central section along this axis features a low-rise piloti that connects the interior and exterior, facilitating smooth circulation for students and staff.

The floor plans are functionally oriented. The first and second floors accommodate frequently used functions such as the post office and document services, with a separate circulation route providing direct access to the second floor without passing through the lobby. The main lobby is open up to the second floor, offering visitors a sense of grandeur and dignity appropriate to a university’s main building. Administrative offices are concentrated on the third to fifth floors.

The structure is reinforced concrete frame with columns lining both sides of the corridors. The first and second floors feature black stone columns and bronze aluminum curtain walls. Although the building’s exterior might seem heavy, the horizontal beams crossing the facade and the vertical louvers penetrating it repetitively create shadow effects that soften the impression, a design response that harmonizes with the geographic conditions of Seoul National University’s campus.

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  • Status

    Completed

  • Awards
    • 2020 43rd Korean Institute of Architects Architecture Award Special Prize, Muae 25th Anniversary Architecture Award
  • Client

    Seoul National University

  • Design Year

    1973

  • Completion Year

    1975

  • Location

    Gwanak-gu, Seoul

  • Site area

    2,956,332m2

  • Gross Floor Area

    10,047m2

  • Building Area

    1,793.40m2

  • Number of Levels

    B1, 5F

The Seoul National University Main Building (currently the Administration Building) was planned under the campus master plan. Surrounded by high mountains and situated on a steeply sloped site, the design maximized these natural conditions to harmonize with nature. The building is positioned along an axis connecting the front plaza and the central library at the rear. The central section along this axis features a low-rise piloti that connects the interior and exterior, facilitating smooth circulation for students and staff.

The floor plans are functionally oriented. The first and second floors accommodate frequently used functions such as the post office and document services, with a separate circulation route providing direct access to the second floor without passing through the lobby. The main lobby is open up to the second floor, offering visitors a sense of grandeur and dignity appropriate to a university’s main building. Administrative offices are concentrated on the third to fifth floors.

The structure is reinforced concrete frame with columns lining both sides of the corridors. The first and second floors feature black stone columns and bronze aluminum curtain walls. Although the building’s exterior might seem heavy, the horizontal beams crossing the facade and the vertical louvers penetrating it repetitively create shadow effects that soften the impression, a design response that harmonizes with the geographic conditions of Seoul National University’s campus.

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