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In line with the master plan of the National Museum Complex, the museum height and visual impact is minimized in order to promote a sense of stewardship of the land.  Seen as a horizontal line floating in the landscape, the museum becomes a measuring stick for the trees and a backdrop for the landscape, which will continue to grow and change over time.  Trees are intended to grow higher than the building so that, after time, the building will feel nestled in the landscape. 

The forecourt spans the entire width of the KMUA site and aligns with the axis of the central operation center to provide a clear sense of entry.  The forecourt is open to the sky on the west side, with sweeping views of Che Creek and Dongnakjeong Historical Park. The ground floor is completely transparent, reflecting the openness of the museum to the public and celebrating the democratic nature of the institution. Each level of the building has access to outdoor space.   The size, character, and types of planting vary greatly in order to reinforce the concept of each space and to provide orientation points throughout the building. The building connects at the B2 level to parking, services, staff access, and collection loading areas.  An open-air stair on the south end of the site connects the parking level to a sunken courtyard at B1.  This is adjacent to the future National Design Museum.  At the B1 level, the building connects to the Museum Street and to other required circulation systems. The outdoor Corridor is provided on the east side of the building in order to provide a consistent visitor experience and to maintain the horizontal datum of the master plan.

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