| Title |
Architectural Interpretation and Methods for the Spatial Expression of the Concept of ‘Emptiness’ |
| Authors |
안중광(An, Jung-Gwang); 박찬일(Park, Chan-II) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.14774/JKIID.2026.35.1.104 |
| Keywords |
Emptiness; Architectural Interpretation; Spatial Expression Method |
| Abstract |
Unlike the expression of a single dominant style during the modernist era, today’s trend emphasizes exploring and articulating the unique identities of each cultural sphere. In architecture and spatial design, postmodernism has fostered regionalism and critical regionalism, reflecting efforts to acknowledge and develop the originality and diversity of different regions and cultures. Within this context, this study focuses on the concept of ‘emptiness’ as a distinctive spatial expression in Korean architecture. The subjects of analysis range from first-generation architect Kim Swoo Geun, to the 4.3 Group who pursued Korean identity in architecture between 1990 and 1994, to architect Cho Byoung Soo, who has recently emphasized ‘Korean-ness’ in his works and writings. Through their discourses and architectural practices, the study examines how the concept of ‘emptiness’ has been expressed and applied. The specific analytical approach of this study examined the Korean spatial concept of emptiness through three primary categories: time, space, and human. These were further subdivided into layered time (L.T) and momentary time (M.T), functional space (F.S) and experiential space (E.S), and contemplative human (C.H) and relational human (R.H).
Through this method and process, the spatial expression of emptiness in Korean architecture was identified as manifesting across six elements: spatial program, spatial experience, circulation planning, user behavior, relationship with the site, and materiality. The findings can be summarized as follows. (1) spatial program, which reveals the latent value of space (2) spatial experience, which expands the user’s perception and senses (3) circulation planning induces visual and psychological transitions. (4) user behavior, which extends the possibilities of participation (5) relationship with the site, which highlights multi-layered connections with the external environment and (6) use of materials, which embodies the integration of temporal qualities. |