Myongji University architecture students named finalists in international 'Olivetti Theatre' competition

Myongji University students have achieved finalist status in the prestigious 'Olivetti Theatre' international architectural competition, co-hosted by Italy's YAC and Manni Group. The team, known as 'Team_K', comprised Kim Da-bin, Kim Do-hyun, and Kwon Seo-rin from the university's architecture program.

The competition focused on a site in Ivrea, Italy, a city designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its industrial history and the humanist philosophy of the Olivetti Corporation. Participants were tasked with proposing a versatile complex including a 250-280 seat theater, residential spaces, co-working areas, and wellness facilities, all while preserving the historical context of the existing social welfare center.

Team_K's winning design, 'CINEMA PARADISO', was lauded for its ability to weave together the Olivetti legacy, the lives of current residents, and the future envisioned by researchers. The project reinterpreted Olivetti's corporate culture into a hexagonal spatial language, centering on the theater to restore a sense of community. Area A involved renovating the existing OLI building with adaptable hexagonal modules and folding doors, while Area B featured three outdoor theaters to encourage interaction and incorporated eco-friendly solutions like Manni Sipre's steel structures and Isopan's panel systems.

The students expressed curiosity about interpreting this heritage, stating, "We were curious how we, who did not directly experience the era when Olivetti flourished, could interpret and be evaluated on this heritage." They added, "Through this competition, we were able to create a new Olivetti story, and we grew through the process of constantly communicating with our teammates and solidifying our ideas."

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We were curious how we, who did not directly experience the era when Olivetti flourished, could interpret and be evaluated on this heritage. Through this competition, we were able to create a new Olivetti story, and we grew through the process of constantly communicating with our teammates and solidifying our ideas.