Thematic Exhibition (2023): Land Architecture, Land Urbanism
Explore the figurative, ecological, and cultural relationships embedded in the land, reflecting on the 'realization of interdependence' in the 'land architecture'
By Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Seoul Metropolitan Government
The New Density of Han-River by Heechan Park(Urban Agency)Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism aims to harness Seoul as a testbed, as it explores and seeks solutions for urban issues in global cities. The 4th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism continued the ongoing discussions from its past editions—Imminent Commons, Collective City, and Resilient City—with a focus on ‘Land Urbanism’ and ‘Seoul'.
Thematic Exhibition Part One. Architecture Land Architecture: Architecture of ‘Interdependent Nature’ by Curator: Byoung Soo Cho Photo: Choi YongjoonSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Part 1. Land Architecture: Architecture of Interdependent Nature
Land architecture is architecture that adapts and conforms to the conditions of the given land. It is an interdependent architecture that does not assert its existence and dominate its surroundings, but humbles itself to permeate the land and revitalize its energy. It is the land architecture that allows our human bodies and minds to dwell in their tranquility and to come to a realization of one another.
Theme Exhibition by Curator: Byoung Soo Cho Photo: Choi YongjoonSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
The part 1 has three key considerations proposed for building the land architecture which are 'topography', 'natural environment and ecology of the land', and 'socio-cultural relationship'.
“In our world, we need a clear awareness of the interdependent nature of nations, Of humans and animals, and of humans, animals, and the world. Everything is of interdependent nature... ” - The Path to Tranquility, Dalai Lama, 1998
Thematic Exhibition by Curator: Byoung Soo Cho Photo: Studio DeeproadSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Sky Pavilion
The Sky Pavilion visualizes its connection to the environment: from the top, visitors can understand how Hanyang(today, Seoul) was laid out based on the relationship with the surrounding nature. Seoul was built as an eco-friendly city, with plenty of consideration given to mountains, rivers, wind, and sunlight.
Earth Pavilion by Byoung Soo Cho Coordination: Jiyeon Yoo, Sungmin Park, Hyunbae Chang, Haeran Song Landscape: Young-sung Jeon Photo: Choi YongjoonSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Earth Pavilion
The Earth Pavilion invites one’s body to feel the energy of Songhyeondong and its surrounding land. Visitors can feel the land of Seoul by standing, sitting, or lying down on the hill. The water in the center reflects Seoul’s autumn mountains and sky and highlights the importance and the beauty of ecology as a life force.
Blue Water by Hyungjin ParkSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Blue Water
A large puddle discovered by the artist while walking through the city features traces of tire tracks over which weeds grow thick. Blue Water expresses the artist’s perspective on the process by which nature flows back into the occupied land of humans; water seeps into the cracks of their indifference, and weeds begin growing in those cracks.
Land Architecture Atlas
‘Land Architecture Atlas’ is an interview project that explores the three relationships essential to land urbanism (topographical, ecological, and sociocultural) in 12 ways, each of which is represented by a project headed by a different artist/architect. It is an atlas of thoughts and experiences of the participating artists/architects on how architecture should be related to the land.
Gateway+Park by Oscar Kang Photo: HANSOLCOMSSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Part 2. Land Urbanism
The part 2 introduces architects’ research works and ideas on ‘Land Architecture and Land Urbanism.’ The main contents are imagining the future city of Seoul and South Korea. These are largely divided into three categories: Seoul Green Ring (SGR), Future Transformation of Architecture & Urbanism (OCS), and Seoul Architecture & Urbanism Platform (SAUP).
T-City by Ken Sungjin MinSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
T-City
As urbanization speeds up globally, the Megaregion concept is gaining traction. Megaregions connect two or more megacities within a Metropolis, forming an urban cluster with over 10 million people. SKM Architects has identified Busan Metropolitan City as a strategic hub connecting the Trans-Pacific region and forming a megaregion in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
T-CITY is a work-recreation complex within Busan’s Osiria Tourist Complex. Through an eco-friendly, forward-looking design, T-CITY embodies the Workcation concept, positioning Busan as a global Megaregion in technology, culture, leisure, and industry.
The New Density of Han-River by Heechan Park(Urban Agency)Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
The New Density of Han-River
Heechan Park propose a ‘multi-layered complex connection’ conceived through the process of extending and reconnecting the urban organizations of Gangbuk and Gangnam. ‘Floating Islands’ with various scales and programs are connected to the network and provide various waterside experiences and urban events to city residents.
Through this series of processes, the density of a new urban space will be generated in the middle of the Han River, and the Han River can be transformed from a simple boundary between urban areas to a platform that provides various urban spaces.
Gateway+Park by Oscar KangSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Gateway+Park
This proposal explores the intersection between the city and the park in the context of the Seoul Green Ring. The project is situated along a prominent vehicular entry point to Seoul (Yangjae Interchange) and adjacent to a number of parks including the Maeheon Citizen’s Park, a popular urban park in Seoul.
The proposal clarifies the relationship between nature and the built environment by clearly delineating the boundary of the city to preserve the existing natural element (park) and to celebrate a new Green Seoul through the creation of a new entryway (gateway).
Doublethink for the Future by Haeyeon YooSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Doublethink for the Future
Why are OCS prototypes necessary, even though the most important thing in planning architecture and cities is to consider locality and specificity? This is because a system that restores nature damaged by the existing growth-oriented development and coexists with nature is needed before it is too late.
Haeyeon Yoo would like to propose the most “valuable doublethink” for the future, that is, the best alternative for nature and technology to coexist together.
Haebangcheon Ruin City by Jaewoo ChonSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Haebangcheon Ruin City
Haebangcheon Ruin City deliberately abandons portions of the Haebangcheon to allow the process of natural reclamation, bridging the long-standing gap between Namsan and Yongsan Park. The newly formed green corridor of Haebangcheon protected by rows of residential towers takes on a new identity as urban ruins, evoking a sense of history, reflection, and exploration.
Han-River Makemake Project by Shinhyung ChoSeoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Han-River Makemake Project
The MakeMake Project proposes an innovative system and specially designed dome which could store and consume water of Han River and rainwater (of the Han River). To achieve this, DFFPM proposes to reduce the width of the Han River which may enable to secure and restore extra space, time and cultural leisure to the densely populated city of Seoul.
Part 1.
Curator: Byoung Soo Cho
Venue: Songhyeon Green Plaza, Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture
Part 2.
Curator: Eui Young Chun
Venue: Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture
Exhibition Assistants: Yeong Won Yoo, Tae Kyu Kim, Hye Jin Han, Jean Chun
SAUP Platform: Korean Institute of Architects, GS Engineering and Construction Corp., Planningo Inc.
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