pivot, than reinvent’

Co-living Complex of the Year

Episode Suyu 838 COLLECTIVE B

SEOUL ‘This is an excellent prototype for co-living.’ So said Yorgo Lykouria, Rainlight Studio founder and creative director, of Episode Suyu 838 during jury deliberations. The project is the largest single co-living building in the world and the fourth location from Episode, a label under SK D&D. Situated in a busy commercial area of Seoul with diverse inhabitants, the residence has 838 householders.

Acknowledging the fast-changing needs of urbanites, Collective B envisioned the 23-level space as a modular platform for sustainable living that rises to such contemporary challenges as providing affordable housing and battling loneliness. The design features natural contact points that encourage interaction and help to meet the various needs of different households. ‘The use of modular interior elements to change the use and functionality of the spaces is very promising,’ said Lykouria, ‘and the intention to have a focused sense of community is very appealing. I also think the slant towards a workplace environment is very appropriate in these times – you could imagine a person living and working quite well in this facility.’ Simon Saint, principal and residential sector leader at Woods Bagot, agreed: ‘The multifunctional nature of the spaces shows how co-living can be pushed to do different things, as well as respond to our current situation.’ collective-b.com

‘I love that they dared to expose the bedroom and the bathroom,’ said jury member and design strategist Jocelyne Sacre.

‘As an architect, I have to say wow,’ said Guillermo Blanco, founder and design director of Worldesignteam, when judging Utopia 2020 Dream Home.