IDK was appointed as Lead Designer for the redesign of the V&A's Korea Gallery at its Kensington Campus, following an invited design competition in 2024. Acting also as CDM Principal Designer, IDK is leading a comprehensive upgrade of the permanent gallery within the Grade I listed building.
A central dimension of the project is navigating the sensitivities of a highly protected heritage environment. IDK is leading the Listed Building Consent application and coordinating a multi-disciplinary team, including Structure Workshop and specialist building services engineer, through consent-approved investigative works to listed fabric, with detailed early engagement with conservation officers throughout.
Funded in part through the Korean government's cultural programme, the brief calls for a sensitive transformation of the gallery, presenting the Korean collection in a contemporary and engaging way while preserving the architectural integrity of the space.
IDK's design strategy prioritises minimal intervention with maximum impact. Proposals encompass new lighting and environmental control systems, bespoke museum-grade showcases, digital and interactive interpretation elements, and a full renewal of electrical, data, and power infrastructure, all integrated within the historic fabric. A flexible, modular display system enables curators to update and rotate content without triggering further construction works, reducing long-term costs and supporting curatorial autonomy within the listed space.
Project: Korea Galleries, V&A
Location: London
Year: 2025-Ongoing
Type: Museum & Culture
Collaborators: Farrokh Aman, ZNA, Structure Workshop
