Carving New Stories onto the Legacy Left by Time
In 2018, the city of Incheon applied for six modern architectural buildings to be designated as Registered Cultural Heritage by the Cultural Heritage Administration. Among them, Wangsang Church—despite its 120-year history—was not selected due to the aging condition of the building. In this context, a space regeneration project centered on Wangsang Church began. The aim was not merely to repair a building, but to preserve its historical essence and share the passage of time embedded within it.
The core of the project was to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the historic structure while enabling the space to take on a new role within contemporary society. To achieve this, the existing bricks, stained glass, and the structural elements of the hall were preserved as much as possible. This approach not only respected the historical value and memory of the architecture but also considered environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
The regenerated space, reborn as a multifaceted cultural venue, embodies the brand philosophy of “MADELIM.” MADELIM explores the essence of rest and a return to nature, offering visitors a unique experience where history, nature, and culture coexist. Composed of the annex, the main hall, and the rectory, this space becomes a new cultural forest where the past, present, and future intersect, providing an open stage for arts and culture to the local community and its visitors.