Technology is transforming the way we design, and UNS is at the forefront of this evolution. In the creation of the state-of-the-art Korean National Football Centre, UNS utilised SpaceForm, a real-time virtual meeting and presentation platform, to revolutionise the design process. This innovative approach has been highlighted in a new video by B1M, showcasing how immersive technology is shaping the future of architecture.

Located in Cheonan-shi, 85km south of Seoul, the Korean National Football Centre is set to position South Korea as a global football destination. Designed in collaboration with Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff ArenA, the facility takes a holistic approach to football, integrating health, wellness, science, technology, and education into its masterplan.

At the heart of the design is a central plaza, a dynamic space that will provide sports fans with access to public areas of the training centre and host multi-functional events throughout the year. The facility will also feature cutting-edge digital technology to support elite training, offering trainers the data they need to create customised regimes for teams and players.

Beyond the technology embedded in the facility itself, innovation played a crucial role in the design process. UNS utilised SpaceForm, a virtual workspace developed by Squint/Opera in collaboration with UNS and Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), to collaborate with the Korean Football Association (KFA) in real-time.

This platform allowed the design team to simulate immersive 3D environments for collaborative reviews and presentations with stakeholders. By seamlessly connecting with visualisation tools like Rhino 3D, Revit, SketchUp, and Unreal, SpaceForm enabled easy data sharing and decision-making. It also allowed for the visualisation of digital twin and urban data, enhancing the design process and ensuring better outcomes.

Ben van Berkel, Founder and Principal Architect of UNS, highlighted the transformative potential of SpaceForm: “The most interesting thing is that when you work with physical, built models in architecture, you cannot really go into the model. That is the advantage of the SpaceForm platform. You can really go into the model, look around, walk around, and see other people moving.”

The platform enabled UNS architects to collaborate with the KFA team across the globe without the need for travel. By immersing themselves in a virtual 3D workspace, the teams could upload, view, and manipulate site images, maps, data, and 3D models in real-time.

The intuitive and visually focused nature of SpaceForm also helped to break down language barriers, fostering an inclusive design process where all stakeholders had a voice. This approach enhanced team communication and bridged client interaction from abroad, unlocking new opportunities in the design of the stadium.

“The data-driven design tool enabled seamless collaboration with the KFA team in real-time. The 3D work environment proved to be a very efficient virtual workspace that not only saved us the burden of long-distance travel but also helped us to break down language barriers. This platform enables an inclusive design process, where all stakeholders have a voice. SpaceForm helped us to enhance team communication and bridge client interaction from abroad. The interactive work sessions unlocked great opportunities in the design of the stadium.”

The Korean National Football Centre is more than a world-class facility—it’s a testament to how technology can transform the way we design and collaborate. By leveraging SpaceForm, UNS has not only created a space that embodies innovation and sustainability but also redefined the design process itself.

This project is a glimpse into the future of architecture, where virtual tools enable global collaboration, inclusivity, and groundbreaking design solutions.

Find out more about the design here.

Explore the SpaceForm website here.