galerie philia presents 'human after all' within a converted bathhouse in seoul

"The project continues the gallery's ongoing approach of staging contemporary design within buildings that hold strong architectural character. Over the past decade, Galerie Philia has organized exhibitions in iconic buildings by designers such as Jean Nouvel and Le Corbusier, where it composes contemporary objects within spaces shaped by culture."

"A tall central volume rises through the structure, drawing daylight from a skylight above and casting it across exposed concrete surfaces. The atmosphere feels contemplative, and the architectural framework guides how each object comes into view. Attali treats the building as an active participant in the exhibition."

"The gallery's installations follow the structure's vertical rhythm, allowing the works to inhabit different levels of light and proximity. Within this setting, objects gain presence through their relationship to surface, scale, and shadow."

Galerie Philia's Human After All exhibition in Seoul showcases a new generation of Korean designers within a former bathhouse constructed in the 1980s and later converted into a church. The gallery continues its practice of staging contemporary design within architecturally significant buildings. The venue's tall central volume with skylight and exposed concrete surfaces creates a contemplative atmosphere that guides how objects are perceived. Art director Ygaël Attali treats the building as an active participant, with installations following the structure's vertical rhythm and allowing works to inhabit different levels of light and proximity. Featured designers include FICT Studio, Hyungshin Hwang, Lee Sisan, Saerom Yoon, Studio Chacha, and Min Seon Kong. The exhibition runs from March 5-15, 2026.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine