Seoul Architecture and Urbanism Biennale 2025: Designing for People, Envisioning the Future
The 2025 Seoul Architecture and Urbanism Biennale is coming! ✨
Architecture for people, Seoul's challenge for the future.
Hello, this is Black.
Seoul will once again host a world-class architecture festival. From September 26th to November 18th, the 5th Seoul Architecture and Urbanism Biennale will transform the city into an 'art museum without a roof' for about two months.
This year's Biennale is generating significant buzz even before its opening, as it is helmed by renowned British designer Thomas Heatherwick as the general director. He is well-known for projects such as the 'Garden Bridge' in London and the design of the 'Naga Museum' in Singapore.
His challenge in Seoul goes beyond a simple architecture exhibition, posing the major theme of 'Radically More Human Architecture' to create an attractive city.
Opening Ceremony and Global Forum
The Biennale will commence with an opening ceremony on September 26th at 6:30 PM at Yeolin Songhyeon Green Plaza.
The event, attended by the Mayor of Seoul, architects from around the world, diplomatic envoys, and citizens, promises a city-wide atmosphere of unity.
Following the opening, the Global Opening Forum 'Emotional City' will be held from September 27th to 28th at the Seoul City Hall multipurpose hall.
This forum will feature in-depth discussions on how architecture impacts human emotions, health, and society, and what the future city should look like.
Notably, the panel discussion, moderated by Professor You Hyun-jun, will include the participation of young architects like Kim Do-ran, offering practical insights.
Accessibility is enhanced by live streaming on the Seoul Metropolitan Government's YouTube channel, in addition to on-site participation.
Exhibition Programs
Works by Thomas Heatherwick, the general director of this year's Seoul Architecture and Urbanism Biennale.
Thematic Exhibition: More Human Architecture
- Humanise Wall: A large-scale installation measuring 90m in width and 16m in height, involving 110 designers and citizen communities from 38 countries worldwide. This wall, created from 1,428 panels, represents a massive voice conveying diverse thoughts and emotions.
- Walls of Public Life: 24 teams, including architects, designers, and artisans, have each created their own wall. Visitors can walk between the walls and experience emotions such as warmth, joy, and curiosity.
City Exhibition: The Face of the City
This exhibition views the exterior of buildings as the face of the city, showcasing 25 projects from 21 cities. Renowned architects such as Kengo Kuma & Associates, Neri&Hu, and Herzog & de Meuron participate, offering diverse expressions of the city.
Seoul Exhibition: Seoul Unfolded
An exhibition that presents a panoramic view of Seoul's past, present, and future. Beyond the limitations of traditional bird's-eye views, it captures the city's appearance from an actual human perspective, providing a direct experience of the architecture and scenery of Seoul we will encounter.
Global Studio: Your Emotional City, Seoul
A media artwork created by collecting photos of Seoul uploaded online by citizens from around the world. It showcases Seoul as seen through the eyes of numerous people, allowing you to feel how the city encompasses various emotions and stories.
Citizen Participation Programs
This Biennale is not just an exhibition to watch; it is a festival where you can participate directly.
- Workshops (September 29th) and lectures (September 30th) led by General Director Thomas Heatherwick himself
- Lectures by international artists and curator talks
- Drawing therapy program ✏️
- 'Archi-run' ???? a run through major Seoul landscapes with architects
- Experience drawing buildings from around the world
All these programs can be applied for at Seoul Public Service Reservation (yeyak.seoul.go.kr) and are free for everyone to enjoy.
The Significance of the Seoul Architecture and Urbanism Biennale
The Seoul Architecture and Urbanism Biennale, which started in 2017, is an international event that has attracted approximately 5.38 million visitors to date.
It has grown into a global platform that goes beyond simple exhibitions, addressing urban problems together and seeking new solutions through architecture.
General Director Thomas Heatherwick said this about the event:
"One of the reasons people feel stressed and lonely today is because architecture has failed to embrace us warmly. Seoul is now making a bold challenge to place architecture at the center of society."
Like his words, this Biennale is not just a place to exhibit architecture, but a declaration that Seoul is moving towards a city for people and a message to the world.
Conclusion
This fall, downtown Seoul itself becomes a vast exhibition hall. It's okay if you don't know much about cities and architecture.
Rather, it can be a more special inspiration and experience for those unfamiliar with architecture.
It's a free opportunity, so we recommend walking with your family, lover, or friends to directly experience the meaning of 'a city for people.'
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