
Saya Park / Sayuwon – Observatory
YEAR
2015 - 2018LOCATION
Gyeongsangbuk-do, South KoreaTYPE
CulturalDESCRIPTION
We cross Saya Park* through a pine forest.
Taking in the immediate landscape; we are absorbed by Nature.
The views are filtered through gnarled branches and low-lying vegetation.
A tower built of exposed concrete sits up on a little hill.
It is sited above the valley, trying to make it narrower.
Curiosity draws us into the tower, to climb and reach the top.
On our way up, we pass windows that give views out; fleeting glimpses.
At the top a balcony opens to the South. We gaze and are dazzled.
The deep valley is crushed by the scale of the mountains and their history.
The descent provokes introspection as we return to earth.
The almost raw finish of the exposed concrete contrasts with the purity of the form.
Despite its simple appearance, the essence of the tower is complex.
Its function is the essence of Architecture.
Carlos Castanheira
*Now denominated: Sayuwon
DRAWINGS
MODELS
CREDITS
Architects :
Álvaro Siza
with
Carlos Castanheira
Office in Portugal:
CC&CB – Architects, Lda.
Project Coordinators:
Rita Ferreira
Diana Vasconcelos
Project Team:
Filipa Guedes
Nuno Rodrigues
3D Visualisation:
Germano Vieira
Engineering:
Structure:
Paulo Fidalgo,
HDP – Gabinete de Serviços
e Projetos, Lda.
Model:
Henriques & Rodrigues, Lda.
Photography:
CC&CB Archive
FEATURED ON
Archilovers – 27/01/26 – Saya Park Observatory
Architectural Review – 3/12/19 – Saya Park Art Pavilion. Observatory. Chapel
Architectural Record – 6/06/19 – Saya Park Art Pavilion. Observatory. Chapel
Ignant – 07/11/18 – Saya Park Art Pavilion. Observatory. Chapel
Divisare – 26/10/18 – Saya Park Observatory

















