In recent years, South Korea has emerged as a pivotal hub for contemporary popular culture, particularly in its capital, Seoul, where a multitude of iconic works by renowned contemporary architects converge. Under the leadership of Mr. Liang Minggang, Director of our university’s Architecture Department, a delegation consisting of eighteen first, fourth, and fifth-year architecture students embarked on a transformative exchange visit to the Department of Architecture at Keunwon University in South Korea from July 3rd to July 7th. This marked the inauguration of our international field teaching initiative.
While our exchange activities with Keunwon University commenced during the pandemic, they were initially conducted via online workshops. With the situation improving, we are now afforded the opportunity to engage in substantial in-person exchange activities in South Korea.
Our meticulously curated five-day, four-night itinerary will dissect Seoul into various districts, allowing for daily visits to multiple architectural landmarks and urban planning projects. These excursions will encompass works by globally renowned architects, contemporary Korean architectural marvels, and indigenous Korean architectural heritage. Noteworthy examples include Zaha Hadid’s groundbreaking Dongdaemun Design Plaza, OMA’s innovative department store in Gwanggyo, and Álvaro Siza’s culturally rich Yeonhui Art Village. These profound architectural encounters are designed to provide students with immersive learning experiences, fostering a firsthand understanding of physical spaces and regional architectural nuances.
Prof. Liang Minggang underscored the significance of international field teaching, a tradition upheld by our Architecture Department for many years. This educational approach was recently exemplified by a successful field teaching program in Venice. Through immersive field experiences and structured workshops, we aim to enrich students’ academic journeys, cultivate cross-cultural communication skills, and broaden their architectural perspectives.
Moreover, during our exchange activities with Keunwon University, the sleek design of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, conceived by the visionary Zaha Hadid, was lauded as a quintessential masterpiece in contemporary architecture.
