Established in 2021 under the umbrella of aLM Architects, COEX has quickly established itself as a unique entity, with various interpretations from both the public and creative communities. The play of words ‘COEX’ is very fluid, however, it is rooted in the idea of a ‘community experiment’. This project sees the practice’s shift from designing a building into curating an experience that fosters community engagement. COEX is like a blank canvas, advocating creative-minded individuals to curate their thoughts and express their creativity. Art development is an inclusive, forgiving haven, and we believe that, as creatives, we can collectively nurture the art ecosystem and restore its vibrancy through a bottom-up approach.
This community-driven establishment has hosted various events and has far exceeded initial expectations in terms of growth. Its dynamic nature ensures that the scene evolves regularly, with new programs scheduled every other week to cater to diverse interests. This ever-changing quality makes each visit a fresh experience, leaving visitors eagerly anticipating what’s next.
The presence of the architecture practice within COEX acts as a catalyst to fertilise opportunities for exploration and experiment. This integration fosters a dialogue with the community, setting a narrative for future collaborations that will propel the practice’s growth. Wrapped by the architecture practice and a row of independent shops, the central lawn area and the semi-outdoor space form an intimate setting for activities to take place, such as exhibitions, talks, sharing sessions, music events and even more ad hoc activities
COEX revitalises discarded materials through well-designed and customised solutions. The transformation process included o#-site work where reclaimed timber was repurposed into modular pieces, streamlining the logistics for assembly on site. The timber was altered into working desks, meeting spaces and a stair-like structure, doubling up as an informal meeting space for the practice and a platform for COEX. By retaining the original metal corrugated panels and integrating sustainable elements, COEX preserves the site’s industrial character while providing a contemporary, functional space. The addition of steel framework supports a lightweight yet durable roofing system, ensuring natural ventilation and shading. Newly planted trees along the perimeter soften the industrial aesthetic, contributing to urban cooling and environmental sustainability.
Through thoughtful alterations and additions, COEX has achieved a reduction in its carbon footprint. The project emphasises minimal waste and efficient use of resources, with the repurposing of materials, passive cooling strategies, and optimised spatial planning all contributing to reduced energy consumption and construction waste. This approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also ensures cost-effectiveness, demonstrating how design innovation can align with both efficiency and ecological responsibility
COEX exemplifies design excellence by transforming industrial remnants into a vibrant communal workspace, advancing sustainability, spatial efficiency, and community engagement through thoughtful reuse and architectural ingenuity.
