Turkish studio Melike Altınışık Architects has unveiled the Seoul Robot & AI Museum in South Korea, where visitors can “explore the endless possibilities of robotics and AI.” Located in the northern part of the city, this impressive 7,400-square-metre museum dedicated to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) opened its doors to the public earlier this month.
The Seoul Robot & AI Museum (RAIM) features a distinctive design that the studio hopes will prompt passersby to wonder, “Is that a spaceship?” Melike Altınışık, the founder of the studio, shared that “RAIM is designed to stir up all kinds of emotions – wonder, curiosity, reflection, and maybe even a bit of ‘Whoa, what is that?!'”
According to Altınışık, the museum is not merely a showcase of cutting-edge technology; it aims to foster deeper connections between people and the innovations that are shaping our future. She emphasized that the experiences offered are both exciting and meaningful.
When RAIM appears on Seoul’s skyline, some people might do a double take, asking themselves, “Wait… is that a spaceship?” This moment of surprise is just the beginning of the adventure that awaits inside. The museum’s bold and dynamic design invites exploration of the limitless possibilities within robotics and AI.
The museum’s organic, spherical form, which the studio describes as “non-directional,” was crafted to reflect the technology-driven content housed within. Supported by a sturdy steel frame, the facade is made of metal panels created through laser-CNC machining and robot welding.
Altınışık remarked, “The museum sports a sleek, spherical design that flows like the ever-evolving world of robotics and AI.” She added that RAIM’s non-linear architecture is not just an aesthetic choice; it plays a crucial role in the narrative, mirroring the fluidity and dynamism of the technologies it showcases.
The four-storey building stands as a striking structure, almost entirely enclosed, with a narrow band of windows framing the entrance area, café, shop, and library on the ground floor. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by “welcoming robots” that set the tone for an innovative experience. A tunnelled escalator whisks guests up to the main exhibition spaces on the upper levels, cleverly bypassing the first floor, which is dedicated to office and administrative functions.
The design of the interiors aims to inspire a sense of exploration and discovery, seamlessly integrating modern technology into the visitor experience. The studio behind the project describes the building itself as a “living exhibition,” filled with numerous examples of smart technology. Altınışık emphasizes that at RAIM, architecture is not merely ornamental; it plays an active role in the experience. “This museum doesn’t merely house technology; it is technology,” she asserts.
From the foundation to the final details, smart systems are intricately woven into every facet of the building’s design and operation. Altınışık likens the structure to a living entity, one that interacts with visitors to enrich their experience at every turn. This innovative approach transforms the museum into a dynamic environment where technology and architecture coexist harmoniously.
According to Altınışık, RAIM could be the first in a series of robot and AI museums that will eventually populate the city. “RAIM isn’t just a static showcase of today’s coolest robotics and AI – it’s built to grow, evolve, and keep pace with the future,” she explains. This forward-thinking institution is designed to spearhead tech education and innovation while fostering community engagement and collaboration within Seoul’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Imagine a future where RAIM has siblings scattered throughout the city, communicating with one another like nodes in a futuristic network. Altınışık envisions this expansion as a new era of connected, interactive museums, with their design serving as the mothership—the original monitoring center that ignites this exciting journey into the world of robotics and AI.