The city of Seoul is eagerly preparing for the highly anticipated 4th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Running from September 1st to October 29th this fall, the Seoul Biennale has earned global recognition as an international platform for exchanging ideas with cities worldwide, drawing an accumulated 1.83 million visitors since its inception in 2017.
This year's theme, "Land Architecture, Land Urbanism City of Mountain Ranges, Waterways, and Wind Breezes — Drawing of the Seoul's Next 100 years," promises to be thought-provoking. Focusing on sustainable masterplan ideas, the Biennale leverages Seoul's unique natural topographic characteristics. Spearheaded by esteemed General Director Byoung Soo Cho, a renowned Korean architect known for harmonizing architecture with nature through simplicity, the 4th Seoul Biennale envisions the collective future image of Seoul in a century's time, aiming to restore the city's traditional geography, including mountain trails, waterways, and wind paths. With participation from 65 cities, 132 teams, 31 universities, and 29 overseas governments and public institutions, the General Director's grand vision comes to life as each entity shares their ideas and designs for the green sustainability of Seoul.
The 4th Seoul Biennale will feature five exhibitions: Thematic Exhibition, showcasing international concepts and discourses related to the main theme; Seoul 100-year Masterplan Exhibition, featuring visual ideas and designs that materialize the future masterplan of Seoul; Guest Cities Exhibition, introducing realized or ongoing projects and masterplans from cities worldwide at the urban and city scale; Global Studios, displaying various proposals for green sustainable bridges crossing the Hangang River, presented by university students from around the world; and On-site Project, six pavilions in the Songhyeon Green Plaza promoting public engagement with architecture, nature, and site specificity.
Beyond the exhibitions, the 4th Seoul Biennale offers diverse academic events and public cultural programs. From international forums, lectures, and curator talks to architecture tour programs, architectural film screenings, and performances, there will be something for everyone to engage in and learn from.
The venues for these exhibitions will be the Songhyeon Green Plaza, Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture, and Seoul Citizens Hall (Seoul City Hall), all situated in the vibrant city of Seoul. The heart of the Biennale will be located at the Songhyeon Green Plaza, positioned along the natural axis leading to Bukhansan, Inwangsan, and Namsan Mountains. Historically, during the early period of the 15th-century Joseon Dynasty, the Songheyon Green Plaza was recognized as a place situated east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, where a small settlement formed by villagers. After liberation, the plaza became the site of the U.S. Embassy residence, passing through the hands of multiple owners while remaining unused and neglected. Finally, in October 2022, it was officially opened to the public, transforming into a beautiful park for citizens to enjoy.
For further details and updates on the 4th Seoul Biennale of Architecture, please visit the official website at https://2023.seoulbiennale.org.
