Madang Project Design Competition for the Korean Museum of Urbanism and Architecture

※ Competition Website: https://kmua-madang.com/

The Korean Museum of Urbanism and Architecture (KMUA) is currently under construction in Sejong Administrative City, with completion scheduled for the second half of 2026. The building comprises two basement levels and three above-ground floors, with a total gross floor area of 21,069 square meters. The winning entry of the international design competition, submitted by AZPML + UKST, proposed a unique exhibition space that diverges from the conventional "white cube" gallery model. By introducing two sunken courtyards at the basement levels, the design allows natural light to penetrate deep into the high-ceilinged exhibition halls, thereby creating an open and dynamic environment suited to urban and architectural exhibitions.

XORBIS Inc., one of the consortium currently undertaking the exhibition design, production, and installation for the opening exhibition of the KMUA, is hosting this design competition under the overarching theme of “The Natural & the Artificial in the Museum.” The northern courtyard is designated under the sub-theme “Rest,” while the southern courtyard is associated with “Play.” Through this competition, the intent is to define the characteristics and functions of each courtyard—positioned respectively at the core of the exhibition space (north) and the workshop studio & fabrication lab (south)—and to derive the most suitable design proposal that harmonizes natural and artificial elements. The selection will focus on realistic and feasible proposals that comprehensively consider factors such as the courtyards’ location, orientation, size, height, climate, and ecological conditions. The winning team will be responsible for executing the entire process—including design, production, and installation—in close consultation with the client and other relevant stakeholders.

The Korean Museum of Urbanism and Architecture (KMUA) will be the first and largest museum in Korea dedicated to the fields of urbanism and architecture. It is envisioned as a comprehensive institution that will collect, manage, preserve, research, exhibit, and educate the public on the heritage and materials related to urban and architectural development. Under the overarching theme “Building Life: Korean Urban Architecture, 1950–2010,” the museum is currently planning, designing, and producing ten sub-themed exhibitions.

Located within the National Museum Complex in Sejong Administrative City, the museum is being developed alongside four other national institutions: the Children’s Museum, the National Design Museum, the Digital Heritage Center, and the National Archives Museum.