Architecture trends at a glance

Works by internationally renowned architects are on display in Seoul, offering a glimpse of recent global developments and trends in architecture.

The first international architecture exhibition features 131 award-winning star architects from 27 countries, including MVRDV, Helmut Jahn and Riken Yamamoto and Korean architects such as Seung Hyo-sang, Kim In-cheurl and Jang Yoon-gyoo. 

The exhibition is Korea’s first international exhibition certified by the International Union of Architects, as well as the 31st architectural festival by the Korean Institute of Architects, which raised the annual event to the international level this year.

“The one-stop exhibition allows visitors to grasp the trends of the contemporary architectural world and showcases works of the best architects from around the world, including pieces with architectural philosophy of prominent architects,” said Lee Kwang-man, chairman of the Korean Institute of Architects, in the congratulatory remarks.

International Union of Architects president Albert Dubler said the event was “a good opportunity to promote architectural culture and the exchanges between nations centered around Far Eastern Asian region.”

The exhibition at the Seoul Culture Station 284, the former Seoul Station with colonial period design, has drawn architecture students and citizens since last week.

Architects each promote their major works through models, floor plans and videos.

As in most architecture showcases, the exhibition requires a close look at the detailed information of the designs, which are displayed in a less-than-viewer-friendly manner.

A video on a white cloth screen hung from the ceiling offers an overview of the exhibition featuring the major buildings designed by the featured architects.

Building projects in Korea undertaken by foreign architects are one highlight.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park by Zaha Hadid Architects, which is scheduled to open to the public next year, will be the first of such iconic projects to open.

MVDRV, Helmut Jahn, Riken Yamamoto, Dominique Perrault and Joshua Prince-Ramus are involved in designing luxury residences and towers to be built in Yongsan International Business District.

MVDRV drew much controversy last year due to its design for The Cloud, twin skyscrapers bridged halfway up with a blocky cloud-shaped structure. The shape reminded some of the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City.

Belgian architect Julien De Smedt’s design for a compact apartment complex in Gangnam is another highlight.

The exhibition also sheds light on the recent developments in architecture as shown in design for a senior community in California by Joel Sanders and Emergency Architects’ school building project in Haiti.

The exhibition is expected to tour China, Vietnam and France with support from Korean embassies and cultural centers.

The exhibition continues through Jan. 25 at Seoul Culture Station 284.

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)