Dabang Café by one-aftr: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Architecture

Reviving a Forgotten Space Through Adaptive Reuse

Located in Jeonju-si, South Korea, Dabang Café by one-aftr exemplifies the transformative power of adaptive reuse architecture. What once stood as a decaying dormitory complex for factory workers has been reimagined into a space where architecture, nature, and human interaction coexist seamlessly. This project highlights sustainable design, biophilic architecture, and circular construction methods, breathing new life into abandoned structures while preserving their historical essence.

From Abandonment to Renewal

The original site comprised three parallel rectangular buildings. The northernmost structure served as a residence for the dormitory managers, while the two elongated buildings housed factory workers in compact 12-square-meter units. Over time, as industrial activity dwindled, the buildings fell into disrepair—timber frames rotted, roof tiles collapsed, and nature gradually reclaimed the space.

Rather than imposing a rigid renovation, the architects embraced controlled deconstruction, removing compromised sections of the walls and roof to enhance airflow, natural light, and plant growth. This approach not only liberated the space from structural and mechanical constraints but also created an open-air garden, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor environments.

A New Architectural Identity

The transformation of Dabang Café preserves the memory of its past while introducing contemporary functionality. Key architectural interventions include:

• Selective Demolition: Parts of the structure were intentionally removed to improve ventilation and allow nature to flourish.
• Sunken Garden: Excavating the ground created a recessed courtyard, fostering a tranquil environment for trees, grass, and seating areas.
• Adaptive Spaces: The northern building, now a fully insulated café, serves as the only climate-controlled area, while the other structures provide semi-open communal spaces.
• Raised Floor Seating: The southernmost building retains its interior walls but features new openings, offering elevated seating with views of the garden.
• Elongated Pathway: A newly constructed walkway along the eastern edge of the site enhances connectivity between the buildings.

A Sanctuary for People and Plants

Dabang Café stands as a testament to the synergy between architecture and nature. By allowing plants to reclaim sections of the site and designing with minimal intervention, the project fosters a unique dialogue between decay and renewal. It demonstrates how sustainable architecture can honor the past while creating engaging, habitable spaces for the present and future.

All Photographs are works of Jang Mi