DIRECTIONAL / MEANDERING
Seoul, South Korea
Summer 2017
 Japanese Temple Layout Research |  Japanese Temple Layout Research |  Korean Temple Layout Research |
|---|---|---|
 Korean Temple Layout Research |  Seoul City Wall Sketch |  Conceptual Sketch |
 Site Plan |  Site Elevation |
This project was completed during a six-week study abroad trip to Japan and South Korea. It aims to unite two similar yet disctinct architectural ideologies from two different cultures along a portion of the Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) in Seongbukdong through the means of two paths, two rest pavilion/contemplative spaces, and a Buddhist Temple. The “Implied Directional” path and first pavilion are inspired by Japanese architecture and philosophy, while the “Meandering Physical” path and second pavilion are inspired by Korean culture. The third built element on the site, a Buddhist Temple, reflects ideas of both Japanese and Korean architecture.
Japanese shrine architecture follows a direct, axial path from start to finish. As soon as one enters through the front gate into a shrine complex, they retain complete visibility of the Main Hall and other stations for the entire length of the site. Japanese shrines cut through the existing landscape and manipulate nature to manʼs will, giving them an artificial sense. Buddhist temples in Japan typically sit on flattened land. Korean temple architecture follows the natural layout of the land and does not alter it in any way, showing a certain sense of respect. These weaving, organic paths keep one hidden until the temple is suddenly revealed to them; visitors remain blind while moving throughout the complex until they reach their destination. Both of these experiences stem from each cultureʼs own Buddhist beliefs regarding enlightenment and the process of achieving it.
 Path Concept Sketch |  Japanese Rest Area Sketch | Site Plan |
|---|---|---|
 Implied Directional Path Plan |  Japanese Rest Pavilion |  Japanese Rest Pavilion |
 Japanese Rest Pavilion |
The Implied Directional path begins at a point where the existing path splits off into two: one running along the city wall, and the other hidden in the trees. The Implied Directional path is not a physical path that one can walk on. Instead, it embodies Japanese ideology of the importance of transparency and maintaining visual connections throughout a spiritual site. From the starting point, the path makes a straight line and cuts directly through the city wall until reaching each architectural moment. Markers are placed sporadically along the path to further reinforce that this path exists, even if it is not physically walked on. Visibility is maintained from moment to moment, as well as from the temple looking down. The first rest pavilion is raised up in the air as a visible beacon and is constructed with steel and glass, directly inspired by modern Japanese architecture.
 Meandering Path Conceptual Sketch |  Korean Rest Pavilion Sketch | Site Plan |
|---|---|---|
 Meandering Path Plan |  Korean Rest Pavilion Elevation |  Korean Rest Pavilion |
 Korean Rest Pavilion |
Weaving in and out in between the existing wall and the directional path is the Meandering Physical path. Using portions of existing path, the meandering path moves through the thick wooded areas and up the mountain, remaining hidden from view until it stumbles upon each architectural element. One cannot see what is lying ahead while moving down the path; only what is right in front of them. The second rest pavilion is inspired by traditional Korean architecture; it uses completely natural materials: wood, earth, woven mat, and ivory. This pavilion is not designed as an object viewed from the outside, but rather an extension of the land that aims to be one with its surroundings and to reflect philosophies of a deeply-rooted culture.
 Temple Path Plan |  Temple Conceptual Sketch | Site Plan |
|---|---|---|
 Temple Path |  Temple Elevation |  Buddhist Temple |
 Buddhist Temple |
After reaching the rest pavilions, the two paths continue on up the mountain until reaching a lookout from above the shanty-house community on the north side of the wall. At this lookout sits the Buddhist Temple; inside, a small icon of the Buddha faces the glass wall for people to worship on the large porch. The design for this temple was reached through an abstraction of Japanese and Korean temple walls. The wall was first deconstructed into its components: screen, wall, and frame. The wooden frame was extended out, and the remaining materials and their degree of transparency dictated the new materials for each temple wall: stacked stone, fiberglass, wooden screen, and glazing with a concrete base. The roof is an abstracted form of the traditional timber frame roof, showing only the skeleton underneath with alternating square and circular ends of roof members.