C(caps)alling all architecture enthusiasts! Dive into the vibrant world of Busan’s architectural scene through the lens of the 2021 World Architecture Festival (WAF) held in Busan, South Korea. This annual event, co-organized by the Busan Metropolitan City, Busan Institute of Registered Architects, and Busan Architecture Culture Foundation, celebrates the city’s architectural heritage and fosters a vision for its future.
Celebrating 100 Years of Urban Architecture
The 2021 WAF Busan centered around the theme “Identity of Busan, 100 Years of Urban Architecture in Busan”. The festival presented a captivating journey through time, showcasing the evolution of Busan’s architectural landscape from the Japanese colonial period to the present day. Additionally, it sparked discussions on innovative design possibilities that will shape the city’s future.
A Festival for All
A Festival Spread Across Three Venues
The festival unfolded across three distinct venues, each highlighting a unique facet of Busan’s architectural story:
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Former Bank of Korea Busan Headquarters: Designated as a cultural property, this historic venue housed the Busan Architecture Biennale 2021. Under the sub-theme “Ancient Future,” the biennale featured thought-provoking works by local and international architects who reinterpreted traditional Korean architectural elements for a contemporary audience. A special exhibition delved into the fascinating history and restoration process of the Bank of Korea building itself.
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Dong-a University Seokdang Museum: Nestled within a traditional Korean house, this venue hosted the “Busan Modernism” exhibition. It explored architectural styles and trends that defined Busan’s modernization period from the 1930s to the 1970s. The exhibition also shed light on the social and cultural shifts that influenced the city’s urban development during this era.
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Shinsegae Department Store Centum City Branch (Central Plaza): Held within one of Asia’s largest shopping malls, this venue showcased the “Busan Future” exhibition. Here, visitors encountered cutting-edge projects and proposals envisioned by leading architects and designers. These works aimed to transform Busan into a smart and sustainable city of the future. Interactive installations and models encouraged visitors to actively participate in shaping the city’s architectural destiny.
Beyond captivating exhibitions, the WAF Busan offered a diverse program brimming with activities for architecture enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Highlights included:
- Lectures by Renowned Architects: Gain insights from the likes of Winy Maas from MVRDV.
- Interactive Workshops: Learn from professional architects and students through engaging workshops.
- Design Competitions: Aspiring young architects and students had the chance to showcase their talents.
- Citizen Participation Projects: Contribute your ideas and help shape the city’s future.
- Architectural Tours: Explore Busan’s architectural gems through guided tours.
- Cultural Performances: Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
A Look Back, A Vision Forward
The 2021 WAF Busan provided a remarkable platform to explore Busan’s architectural tapestry, delve into its past, appreciate its present, and collectively envision its future as a thriving, innovative city. Whether you’re a seasoned architect or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of well-designed spaces, the WAF Busan offers a unique opportunity to learn, engage, and be inspired. So, keep an eye out for the next edition of this exciting festival!
Busan World Architecture Festival: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When and where does the Busan WAF take place?
The Busan WAF is an annual event typically held in November. The information provided focuses on the 2021 edition, which took place from November 4th to 14th in Busan, South Korea.
2. Is the Busan WAF open to the public?
Yes, the Busan WAF is free and open to the public, making it accessible to anyone interested in architecture and urban design.
3. What kind of exhibits can I expect to see at the Busan WAF?
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The Busan WAF offers a variety of exhibitions spread across different venues. These exhibitions typically focus on three main themes:
- Busan’s Past: Exploring the historical development of Busan’s architecture, often from the Japanese colonial period to the present day.
- Busan’s Present: Highlighting the current architectural landscape and trends within the city.
- Busan’s Future: Showcasing innovative design proposals and ideas for the city’s future development, emphasizing sustainability and smart city concepts.
4. What other activities are offered besides the exhibitions?
The Busan WAF goes beyond just exhibitions. It provides a full program of activities for attendees, including:
- Lectures by renowned architects.
- Interactive workshops led by professionals.
- Design competitions for young architects and students.
- Citizen participation projects where the public can contribute ideas for the city’s future.
- Architectural tours to explore Busan’s built environment.
- Cultural performances to immerse visitors in the city’s cultural scene.
