Seung H-Sang, Seoul

The exhibition is part of the Asia-Pacific-Weeks 2005 in Berlin, whose focal point is Korea.

The exhibition is being funded with support from the German Class Lottery Foundation Berlin.

The architect Seung H-Sang is a leading protagonist of Korea’s contemporary architectural scene. His works are provocative and highly influential, and he also supports emerging younger talents. Asian in character, and with a precise awareness of his own ideals, he is a fighter for his vision of a humane city, one balanced and pluralistic, not divided into social classes, but instead dense, modern and vivid.

Two crucial keys to understanding his work are his keen curiosity and his profound concern for the spatial qualities. His projects present contemporary ideas within the framework of traditional architecture. The use of steel and concrete is an expression of his modern and optimistic stance. His forms, occasionally exaggerated and reductive, do not conform to the conventional artistic ideals held by much of the general public. As an essayist and architect, Seung’s theoretical and architectural approach is based on Asian traditions, on his belief in the future, and on a permanent dialog with the urban environment.

Known as a prolific writer in both the general and architectural press, he has contributed numerous essays, and has published books such as Beauty of Poverty (1996), City of Wisdom, Architecture of Wisdom (1999), and Architecture, Signs of Thought (2004). Born in Busan, Korea in 1952, Seung H-Sang received his master’s degree from Seoul National University in Seoul before studying at Vienna’s Technical University.

After working for Kim Swoo-geun (1974-1989), he established his own office Iroje Architects & Planners in 1989. His architecture has followed a continuous development, one that is strikingly modern and manifests strong regional Korean-Asian influences. He has received various awards within Korea, and been featured in several exhibitions in the USA and Japan, most recently at Gallery MA together with Yung Ho Chang from Beijing.

The exhibition reflects Seung’s urban visions and his approach to architectural environment. Featured will be examples from his housing projects to master plans, among them Subaekdang, Welcomm City, Hyehwa Culture Center, and the master plan for Paju Book City. Seung´s built urban vision is an exemplary "industrial city for modern times.” Among other projects, the exhibit features his clubhouse, the central element of the "Commune by the Great Wall” north of Beijing; Chaowai SOHO, a project for central Beijing; and his proposal for the new town in Sungnam, "Metapolis.” The exhibition focuses on Seung‘s work from recent years. Each project will be presented by means of sketches, drawings, models and photos.

Project manager for Aedes is Ulla Giesler, information: aedes@baunetz.de An Aedes catalogue will be published (€ 10,-).