When we walk by a beautiful or uniquely designed building or home, many of us are curious to see what the interior might look like.
If you are like me,.... this next event is right up your street.
Through October 21st, a special festival is taking place in Seoul, which allows you to go behind the keyhole.
Hong Yoo reports.
People have gathered at a pre-arranged location where they are to meet with the architect of a private house, one that they have been granted access for a special project.
The time for the tour finally arrives, and the architect walks the visitors through her house explaining the details of the structure.
The house is a modern version of Korea's traditional hanok, one that harmonizes up to date housing features against a traditional architectural framework, resulting in a fusion hanok that blends modernity and tradition into a comfortable home.
"The older versions of Hanok were not efficient at blocking the drafts, especially during the cold seasons, mainly because of the type of wood used. However, the wood used in the more modern versions featured advanced insulating functions, standing out from its Chosun counterparts. Another feature is that bathrooms were brought indoors, adding to convenience."
These two houses are among 79 structures that have been opened to the public for the festival "Open House Seoul".
"I hope those visiting the Open House Seoul, no longer think of architecture as something unfamiliar… as something that has nothing to do with them.
Instead, I want them to know that architecture has everything to do with how and where we live. So by getting to know about these structures, from the past and the present, I want them to experience and be able to feel the space as their own."
This project, which first originated in London and spread to other major cities,... was introduced in Seoul in 2014, becoming increasingly popular year after year.
A structure is not just about the design but also about how it came to be. By sharing their thoughts, architects are helping the public better understand the environment they are living in.
Hong Yoo, Arirang News.
