Genesis House New York which has just opened in the city’s Meatpacking District, adjacent to Little Island and the High Line is not just a showroom according to the global head of the brand.
Global head of the Genesis brand Jay Chang says Genesis House is a sophisticated oasis.
It promises to offer experiences influenced by Korean culture and community, culinary excellence, and innovative architecture and technology. Designed by the Seoul-based architecture firm Suh Architects, the approximately 4340 square metre space is distinctly Korean throughout says Chang.
Genesis House’s curated programs will engage New York in cultural conversations about design, food, travel, health, and future mobility.
“At Genesis, we welcome customers as if they are guests in our own house,” Chang says.
“We want our guests to feel Genesis’ sincerity, and strive to provide them with the right experience at the right time. This defines our brand values,” he says.
Genesis House is a custom-designed space. High ceilings supported by massive columns and Corten steel, LED lighting, copper highlights and smooth oak flooring immediately communicate an industrial aesthetic that is complemented by eclectic displays of art says Chang.
The second floor harbours elements of distinctly Korean culture through refined, contemporary design. Whether in the restaurant, Tea Pavilion, or library, stacked oak beams and shingles unify the space under a single traditional Korean roofscape.
The 890 square metre Genesis House Restaurant marks the first international expansion for Onjium, a Michelin-starred restaurant and cultural institute from Seoul that is dedicated to creating a new heritage that takes inspiration from Korean traditional clothing, food, and housing.
The Tea Pavilion is a veranda-like living room space featuring customised floor seating where guests are traditionally received by their host. Serving as walls to enclose the space, a gridded bookshelf was designed to showcase collectibles such as monographs, writing and musical instruments, ceramics, and other artifacts. The windows of this library pavilion frame views of the Hudson River and the High Line beyond, which guests can enjoy while reading and sipping tea.
The main floor offers guests an opportunity to experience the latest Genesis vehicles in a relaxed environment. Suh Architects framed Genesis vehicles using reflections from a tessellated mirror display to amplify their engineering. These glass cases of telescoping linear light are hung on surfaces of exposed concrete, creating a unique art installation.
A juxtaposition of raw materials and refined engineering characterises the interior envelope throughout the showroom. Metallic mesh curtains are one of the distinct first-floor features. A shimmering perimeter of translucent copper envelops the Genesis House at street level, beckoning visitors to bring their curiosity indoors.
The Cellar Stage is located below the ground floor in an event space that runs the length of the building. Outfitted with floor-to-ceiling LED-lit staging and state-of-the art audio-visual technology, it is a space that is dedicated not only to launching new vehicles, but also to conducting thought leadership summits and hosting events.
Curated by LVMH publisher Assouline, the Genesis House Library is filled with special edition books, luxury display items, and unique accessories. The Genesis House publication series will introduce original publications from Genesis House that highlight elements of Korean culture. The Genesis House Tea Book and Cook Book will be the first and second editions of the publication series.
The outdoor terrace and garden offer guests an unobstructed view of the High Line. Spanning about 882 square metres, the terrace is surrounded by a traditional Korean landscape of white sand and gravel and adorned with greenery, extending Genesis’ views to the Hudson River and the High Line, the artery of Lower Manhattan.
In addition to welcoming the general public, specially trained Genesis House curators will welcome guests via reservation, promoting the ethos of a shared oasis for cultural and commercial cross-pollination. The curators will introduce details of each model in various languages, including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and more.
