Introduction to HYBE’s Vision
HYBE, the entertainment giant behind globally famous K-pop stars, has transformed into a comprehensive entertainment lifestyle platform, encompassing multiple labels. The HYBE Headquarters project signifies a major advancement for the company as it evolves into a larger corporate entity. This transition is showcased through innovative spatial design. The project team, including FHHH Friends, COM, and HYBE CBO Office (led by Min Hee-jin and Shin Dong-hoon), collaborated across various disciplines such as architecture, interior design, and branding to realize this vision.
Overcoming Conventional Office Constraints
One of the key challenges in designing the HYBE Headquarters was moving beyond the limitations of traditional office buildings, which are typically designed for maximum rental efficiency. The diverse programs operating within HYBE necessitated a flexible office layout. To address this, a spatial system was developed that allows for easy modification of space according to changing needs. This system utilizes a grid infrastructure supplied from the ceiling, rather than the floor, enabling users to define office spaces using adaptable mobile racks. Each floor is divided into 15 spaces, totaling 300 units across the building, offering exceptional spatial flexibility.
The Role of Ceilings in Spatial Design
The ceiling plays a crucial role in the grid system, acting as a unifying element while providing various atmospheres tailored to each space’s function. Arch-shaped ceilings with indirect lighting create a comfortable environment in office spaces, while sound-absorbing panels in corridor ceilings reduce noise. The ceiling integrates diverse finishes, lighting trays, and fire safety features, forming a cohesive and functional structure.
Innovative Furniture Design
The adaptability of the HYBE Headquarters extends to its furniture design, which maximizes efficiency with mobile racks and compact desk combinations. All furniture adheres to a 500mm x 500mm grid system, ensuring intuitive placement and ease of use. These designs are compatible with existing mass production systems in the furniture industry, allowing for continuous maintenance and meeting the needs of HYBE’s 2,000-strong workforce.
The Grid System as a Collaborative Tool
The grid system also facilitated collaboration among the project teams. Using a 500 x 500 grid as the foundational unit, the teams could seamlessly expand design concepts from small areas to the entire building. This approach ensured efficient communication and execution. Two core design principles guided the process: highlighting the natural properties of materials and prioritizing ease of installation and mobility. These principles steered the project away from conventional office interiors towards a transformative environment.
Project Completion and Impact
In August 2019, the HYBE CBO Office team, led by Min Hee-jin and Shin Dong-hoon, along with architectural firm FHHH Friends and COM, formed the Spatial Experience Design team for the new headquarters. After a year of design and eight months of construction, the new HYBE Headquarters now accommodates over 2,000 individuals across five programmatic blocks, including public facilities, specialty spaces, archiving and office spaces, and welfare facilities, spanning 19 floors with a total floor area of 36,756 m². This project not only marks a significant milestone for HYBE but also sets a new standard for innovative and flexible office design in the entertainment industry.
