Studio Fragment is an independent creative team based in Seoul, South Korea, founded by founder SeoDonghan. The studio spans space planning, design and production. They designed an invisible relationship that exists between everything in space. They use metaphorical language to describe space, believing that a fragment is not just a part, but a part that allows the user to imagine the whole. By studying connectivity, usability, and the relationship between space and project, the optimum atmosphere is provided for the space.

Yinji:Why did you name the studio "Studio Fragment"? What is your design philosophy behind it?
SeoDonghan：I visited the museum during my travels. The museum had one piece of the artifact on display, and I had to look at some of the pieces and imagine the shape of the rest.I felt that every little fragment had its own story.I can't talk about everything while designing, so I hope to express the whole space poetically by using some small pieces.I work by imagining an empty space or hoping to create a feeling.

Yinji:How to create a unique space by using materials? What is your favorite material?
SeoDonghan：I like concrete and metal, which are the main materials seen in classically modernist architecture. Cement powder is a solid but fluid. The property that soft fluids gather to have strong force is attractive. It can create a variety of surface textures, because it is expressionless and neutral.And I use the temperature of the materials to set the temperature of the entire space. For example, I use warm wood and cold metal to find the right temperature. Further, I look for temperature in detail even within the same material. I experiment with the use of wood while being cold.

Yinji:How do you coordinate the relationship between space and products? How to balance them?
SeoDonghan：It is good to find the answer from the perspective of the people who will use the space we designed. I imagine the various purposes and actions of people in that space. And I Determine whether I like the familiar layout or the new way, dimensions and scale. From the different perspectives of the owner and the guest, I decide the layout and dimensions needed by each, and after that, I play like a go.

Yinji:What kind of connection exists between the design and space? How to make the design stand out from the surrounding things?
SeoDonghan：I can't stand the familiar. There is a sense of security that comes from familiarity, but I can't stand being bored. So I usually present a different scale and structure than I've experienced a lot. I propose to make it a rare new experience. Think again about things you are familiar with, take for granted, or have used. If there is a slightly better way in that, I think I can suggest something new. This applies to atmosphere, functionality, movement, and experience.

Yinji:When you start a new project, how do you get inspiration for the design?
SeoDonghan：I usually find good sources on my travels. So I try to travel as often as possible. I haven't been able to travel much these days due to covid-19, but I'm looking back on the trips I've been to a lot in the past. I try to remember as much as possible the feelings I experience in good architecture.And before starting a project, look at the project from various angles. I order the most important factors, such as geographic factors, the client's personality, or the program, and then imagine the program that takes place in the space. After that, I find half the correct answer, and after that, there is no problem even if I do whatever I want.

Yinji:How do you view the development of store design? Is artistry the future direction? How do you think about it?
SeoDonghan：We have to think about what art is. It can be something that represents the times, or it can be something you create your own story.I believe that the most important thing for a brand is to make its own story unique without being easily swayed by the times or trends. In order to do that, I think that the attributes and characteristics of the brand should be strengthened, and a consistent story should be told. That's why I design with accurate standards for space.Good questions lead to good answers. I tend to think about what good questions are.