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Author: Korea Architectural World Co., Ltd.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: This book compiles exquisite residential architecture from various towns across Korea. The exterior views, interior designs, panoramic overviews, detailed perspectives, and frame-by-frame photographs are breathtakingly beautiful. It also includes numerous design sketches, providing a clear path for professionals to follow. For those accustomed to surviving in the cramped confines of urban high-rises and the stark walls of "matchbox" dwellings, this book serves as a beautiful reminder, awakening our imagination of a wonderful home. For designers, it holds even greater practical reference value. The original compiler of the book noted that in the process of urban and town development in Korea, governments, society, and individuals have often invested significant financial and human resources, yet the results have been unsatisfactory. Buildings have been constructed, but they are all identical—uniform appearances, identical floor plans, and standardized gardens—making them aesthetically grating. This is especially true for small-town development, where the sudden insertion of a stark, urban-inspired landscape into an originally beautiful and harmonious natural environment creates a jarring contrast.
Recognizing this issue, the Korean architectural community and society at large have made various efforts to correct these shortcomings. They have worked on the design and construction of urban residential communities, residential clusters, and standalone residential buildings, achieving certain results. This book is a record of these efforts. The architectural samples compiled in it all possess distinct personalities and unique styles, reflecting the creativity of the architects as well as their concern for society and culture. They also serve as a "model" for future homes for general readers. It must be admitted that China, which is currently on the path to "moderately prosperous society," also faces similar challenges to some extent. During urban expansion, various residential communities and villa areas have emerged around cities, all with identical appearances, "wholesale" faces of the city. As early as the early 1980s, Mr. Fei Xiaotong pointed out that the "urbanization" of towns is a necessary path for China's modernization. Now, we are undergoing this "urbanization" process, and countless towns of all sizes are undergoing earth-shaking transformations. Old buildings are being demolished in large numbers, while new ones are rising in their place, and sometimes even the "geographical landscape" undergoes significant changes. In this rapid progression, we may need to ask ourselves: How should urban development maintain its connection with rural areas? How should the development of each town reflect its individuality? How should China's modernized towns remain in long-term harmony with its history, culture, and natural environment?
Of course, solving such questions is not something this book can address, nor is it directly what it confronts. What it can offer is only a "microscopic reference," a stone from a distant mountain. Serious reflection and long-term, arduous efforts await the Chinese architectural community and society at large. We hope that through the publication of this book, we can contribute our share of sincerity to this noble cause. Heidegger said, "Man dwells poetically." In the vast expanse of the universe, the harmonious coexistence of heaven, earth, and humanity is the highest pursuit of the Chinese people. May we gain beneficial insights from this book and thus pursue our beautiful homes.