In a world swiftly transformed by the relentless impact of climate change, the concept of adaptive reuse as a go-to for sustainability and resilience is rapidly becoming more and more popular with good reason. As urban landscapes evolve, the imperative to repurpose existing structures gains paramount significance. Adaptive reuse not only curbs the environmental toll of demolishing and constructing new buildings but also breathes new life into neglected spaces. It is an antidote to the relentless expansion that characterises many cities, offering a mindful alternative to unchecked urban development.

In the heart of Jeonju-si in South Korea, the Dabang Café exemplifies the art of adaptive reuse, a sanctuary that integrates plants, humans, and the built environment. Designed by the Seoul-based architecture studio One-Aftr, it showcases the transformation of three abandoned buildings that once served as a dormitory for factory workers. Over the years, these structures fell victim to natural decay, with concrete roof tiles collapsing, purlins eroding, and timber frames rotting away. The result was a unique fusion of decay and rebirth, where nature gradually reclaimed the buildings, offering a sanctuary for plants.

The three rectangular-shaped buildings, each with its own purpose, stood parallel to one another. The largest building on the northern side once housed the family that managed the dormitory, while the two slender buildings on the southern end accommodated factory workers and their families. With small unit sizes of just 12 square metres and buildings closely spaced at 1.2 metres apart, maintaining the existing structures for modern use was impractical.

One-Aftr's approach to revitalising the Dabang site involves a delicate dance between preservation and innovation. The architects have systematically removed sections of walls and roofs, allowing for improved air circulation, increased sunlight penetration, opportunities for plant growth, and spaces for people to explore. This transformation liberated the existing buildings from their structural, mechanical, electrical, and HVAC burdens, thus creating a physically and visually lighter structure.

In this revival, the northern building emerges as the only fully enclosed and climate-controlled space. The café features a simple and elegant design with whitewashed walls and exposed wooden beams and exudes a welcoming atmosphere. Large windows flood the interior with natural light, creating a refreshing ambience filled with lush, thriving plants.

“In our effort to repurpose the abandoned factory dormitory within a declining industrial town, our approach involved expanding the building to harmonise with its immediate surroundings through a combination of demolition and restoration. Drawing inspiration from the unique conditions and environments resulting from years of abandonment, where the natural decay of the structures gave birth to new life in the form of plant growth, we were particularly attentive to enhancing the flow of humans, plants, and air throughout the transformation,” says studio One-Aftr.

In the middle building, only two exterior walls were preserved. However, the architects took their vision further by excavating the ground to create a sunken garden. This open-air space serves as a haven for trees and grass, offering visitors a serene and natural environment to relax and enjoy. The Dabang Café manages to seamlessly blend nature and architecture, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a tranquil garden. Nature plays a significant role in the restoration process, creating a unique blend of the old and new, where plants and humans coexist in harmony.

The southern building retained its interior walls, but the walls facing the middle building and the vacant lot were demolished. These former dormitory units were transformed into raised floor seating, inviting visitors to get closer to the plants and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the café. The fragmented layout combines structural elements like golden mesh, steel, columns, and roofs, creating an exploratory path for visitors. An elongated pathway on the eastern end of the site connects the existing buildings, providing a picturesque route lined with trees and plant life for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The choice of material through the design is calculated and careful. Studio One-Aftr details, "Our choice of materials and colours was deliberate, aimed at accentuating this interconnectedness with the environment. To achieve this, we made judicious use of readily available materials, such as insulated vinyl curtains, FRP grating, and polycarbonate, to facilitate these flows.”

In a world where preserving the past while embracing the future is a growing concern, the Dabang Café serves as a symbol of hope. It reminds us that even in the face of decay, nature's forces, and abandonment, there is an opportunity to transform the old into something beautiful and meaningful. It showcases the remarkable potential of adaptive reuse and sustainable design, and is a stunning example of architectural ingenuity, demonstrating how decay and neglect can be turned into an opportunity for creativity and sustainability.

Project Details

Name: Dabang Café 
Location: Jeonju, South Korea
Year of completion: 2023
Design Firm: One-Aftr
Design Team: Joon Ma, Ryu Ahn, Yoonha Lee, Bomi Son