Platoon Kunsthalle Seoul

The Platoon Kunsthalle building in Seoul, South Korea is an incredible multi-container office and performance venue. It is definitely in the top echelon of projects utilizing shipping container architecture.

To explain was it actually is, you must first understand the company Platoon. Based in Berlin, Platoon is a large umbrella organization that includes a multimedia design agency, creative alliance, digital magazine, and more. Within Platoon in the Kunsthalle concept.

Platoon’s Kunsthalle, which is German for ‘Art Hall’, is a central meeting ground with a snack/bar area, event space, art studios, and offices. It hosts showcases, performances, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, panels, and other events. The Kunsthalle in Seoul is actually one of two, with the other being in Berlin.

One look at the Seoul Kunsthalle and it’s clear that it’s a modern, exciting building that inspires creativity for its occupants and visitors. The structure is built with 28 shipping containers that are cut, stacked, and combined in various ways. 

As you can see from the photos and building plans, the Kunsthalle has three main floors, with a rooftop deck for the fourth floor. The interior features numerous smaller breakout rooms and studios, all facing and opening up to the central atrium with a three-story high open area.

The front elevation includes both the ends of twelve stacked containers filled with floor-to-ceiling glass, as well as the sides of three stacked containers showcasing their steel walls with painted on Platoon logos. The combination of light, open space, and blank steel permeates the entire building.

While the Platoon Kunsthalle in Seoul is intended as an office and performance hall, it’s design ideas could just as easily be applied to a container house or retail establishment. We love the way these shipping containers have been combined into such a dynamic space.