Circular Architecture Design: The Vision Behind Circular Loop by HaengUnSiWoo Architects

A Harmonious Integration with the Landscape

The Circular Loop, designed by HaengUnSiWoo Architects, is an eco-experience center at the Gangjeong Cruise Terminal in South Korea. This project embodies the principles of circular architecture design by creating a seamless spatial experience that integrates with the natural landscape while offering diverse perspectives and accessibility.

Located on a site with a significant elevation change, the design strategically overcomes the terrain’s challenges by forming a continuous loop that connects the parking lot with the circular plaza. This looping form not only enhances mobility but also symbolizes the terminal’s function as a place of arrivals and departures.

Adapting Form to Function: The Circular Concept

The observation deck was initially planned to maximize height, but due to the site’s lower elevation, an alternative approach was needed. Instead of building upwards, the architects expanded the structure horizontally, forming a loop that encircles the landscape. This fluid design maintains the site's existing character while introducing a dynamic spatial experience.

This circular form ensures equal accessibility from multiple directions, allowing visitors to approach from various pathways. The structure’s surface materials, including black basalt stone, create a seamless aesthetic that merges old and new elements into a linear flow.

Designing for Experience and Accessibility

Different sections of the loop serve unique functions. Some areas act as observation platforms offering panoramic views, while others connect directly to walking trails, creating a layered experience where visitors encounter shifting perspectives of the environment. The deck’s level remains consistent, but its interaction with the terrain varies—sometimes appearing elevated, at times merging with the ground, and at others blending seamlessly into the plaza.

The design also enhances public engagement with the landscape. By reconfiguring the site’s material palette, the contrast between the black basalt stone and green lawn helps highlight Yeondae, the site’s historical remains. Previously overshadowed, this element now stands out, drawing attention to the region’s cultural heritage.

Structural Innovation in Circular Architecture

Engineering challenges played a crucial role in defining the structure. The choice between steel and reinforced concrete (RC) was a key decision, with RC ultimately selected due to cost efficiency, structural stability, and ease of construction on sloped terrain. The deck’s underside was left exposed in concrete to maintain a minimalist aesthetic while reducing additional finishing costs.

Column selection required balancing visual harmony and structural practicality. Round columns provided a sculptural appeal and required smaller foundations but were impractical in some sections. Wall columns were more efficient in certain areas, reducing excavation costs while maintaining structural integrity. By carefully alternating between these column types, the architects achieved an optimal balance between form and function.

A Model for Future Circular Architecture

The Circular Loop is a testament to the potential of circular architecture design to create interactive, accessible, and aesthetically cohesive public spaces. Through its looping form, the project bridges nature, history, and human experience, reinforcing the significance of architecture that adapts to its surroundings while enhancing the visitor journey.

By merging structural ingenuity with an intuitive design approach, HaengUnSiWoo Architects have crafted a space that not only serves a functional purpose but also enriches the urban and natural landscape. The Circular Loop exemplifies how circular architecture can redefine spatial connectivity, making it an essential model for future public space design.