The Challenge Museum includes a two minute walk through farmland to reach the building

As part of South Korea’s plan to build 140 museums and 46 art galleries by 2023, UNStudio has unveiled its design proposal for The Challenge Museum, a unique museum that creates an immersive and participatory experience for visitors.

The Challenge Museum’s massing and general site approach contrasts with urban conditions to provide restful, flexible outdoor spaces where community engagement is key. In order to get to the museum, a compulsory two minute walk through farmland creates an experience for visitors meant to make them feel more connected to the earth, according to the architects.

Challenge museum scenographic display Courtesy UNStudio and Plompmozes.

The building’s entrance includes an introductory space that then directs visitors towards the exhibition floors. The museum, which is spread across three floors, is organized in a series of immersive Marine and Celestial spheres. Throughout the museum, the spheres overlap with each other to allow users to explore the skies above and the sea below through scenographic storytelling.

The ground floor, which will have a focus on educational and public programs, has a porous design approach that connects with the outdoor farm. Exhibitions continue to the second floor, with the main body of the exhibitions existing on the third floor. A roof terrace connects visitors further to the outdoors.

Challenge Museum ocean display Courtesy UNStudio and Plompmozes.

Challenge museum earth display Courtesy UNStudio and Plompmozes.

Challenge Museum interactive display Courtesy UNStudio and Plompmozes.

Challenge Museum exterior Courtesy UNStudio and Plompmozes.

Chalenge Museum diagram Courtesy UNStudio and Tellart.

The first visitor center we designed was the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for the Everglades National Park in 1993. I remember it well for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the ongoing dialogue we had with our retail consultant. He insisted that the gift shop be located on the right as one exited the visitor center because people “always turn right.”

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