Seoul architects Gansam Partners have completed an art museum surrounded by a pool of water in Yon-Dong, South Korea.

Called Jeju Provincial Art Museum, the building is made of concrete and local stone.

A colonnade frames one corner of the structure, while the water reflects light into the interior.

The project incorporates a plaza for outdoor exhibitions and an open-air theatre.

Here's some more information from the architects:

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Jeju Provincial Art Museum

The natural beauty of Jeju Island serves as a backdrop for the artistic cultural experience of this museum.

Situated within the Halla Mountains, the design accentuates the surrounding natural environment through material selection and carefully designed views to the exterior.

The museum plan is designed as a circulation loop, creating exterior and interior exhibition space. The program of the museum is planned for research, conservation, exhibition and education.

The geometry is based off of the simplistic module of the cube, replicating this form within and out to frame both art and the natural beauty surrounding the museum.

The simple, rational form is sensitive to both light and environment surrounding it.

The materials reflect the local environment, Jeju stone blend in with the exposed concrete, blurring the boundary between manmade and natural. A pool at the entrance of the building reflects day light into the building.

The colonnade on the north and west façade frames the sky and transitions between interior and exterior.

This entry plaza opens to a cultural plaza which serves as a year round outdoor exhibition and performance space. Inspired by the volcanic Halla mountains, the rear walkway of the museum culminates in a circular amphitheater serving as a community performance space.

Framed views and the capture of light drives the design and helps set the mood for this museum.

Architect: Gansam Architects & Associates
Location: Jeju-Do, Jeju-Si, Yon-Dong 680-7, South Korea
Client: Jeju Province
Project Architect: Taijip Kim
Design team: Kiyoung Han, Cheonhang Kim, Mi jung Kim, Chang Bae Yoon, Jeong Hoon Seo, Sung Beom Park, Sun A Park, Sang Kyu Jeon, Sun Min Lee, Jin A Yoo, Su Jeong Ko

Site Area: 39,759 m²
Gross Floor Area: 7,082 m²
Building Area: 4,326 m²
Floors: Basement, First, Second
Building Coverage: 10.88%
Floor Area Ratio: 16.08%
Finished Materials: Jeju Stone, Exposed Concrete, Steel Truss
Photographer: Gansam Partners Architects & Associates

Construction Year: 2009, Completed