Korean Modernism Architecture

Introduction

Architecture represents a collaborative effort involving many architects, builders, and craftsmen. It expresses the vision and values of not just an individual architect, but also of the culture that shaped the vision and values. The modernism architecture of Korea in the 19th century is the expression of a culture rather than of a person, which makes it of particular interest to historians, archaeologists, and modern architecture developers. Modernism architecture of 19th century combined function with great attention to form, beauty, and harmony with the environment. Portions of large numbers of buildings and other structures from modernism architecture have been preserved; modern architects have detailed insight into the designs, materials, construction techniques, and functions of modernism architecture.

Modernism Architecture in Korea of 19th Century

In the past century, particular attention was given to geomancy in Korean architecture. This relates to defining the location for the construction of buildings (James, 7). It was believed that the location of the building depends on the favor of the forces of nature. It represents derived rule, which emphasize on the best option when the facade of the building is directed to the south, and the north side of towering mountains. The construction of a building in modern architecture of Korea of 19th century began with the principles wind and water (Beetz, 3). This consists of a set of principles that can be difficult for westerners to understand; in current Korean architecture, architects try incorporating these principles into the design, construction, furnishing of their homes, and even offices.

Korean architecture stressed living in harmony with the heavens and the earth (Kim, 14). Not only were individual buildings planned according to the principles of water and wind, but entire cities were laid out according to these principles as well. When Buddhism came to Korea from China, it began to develop temple architecture. Korean culture was greatly influenced by Chinese art of building in the 19th century. However, Korean architects made their additions to the temple architecture (Kim, 35). Korean architecture followed a stone pagoda architectural style. On the north side of the pagoda was a hall, surrounded by corridors. Following picture presents the architectural system of Korean in 19th century that continued from past dynasties.

Colonial architecture of 19th century, just like colonial society, emphasized the importance of religion and thereby of the temple building. Beyond certain common denominators in style and intent, Korea architecture of the 19th century represents styles of colonial architecture. This presents the characteristics of the varied settlers and the local climates; highlighting the beginning of architectural development of modernism that becomes identifiable in regional styles within Korean modern architecture (James, 27).

The process of modernism architecture began with following the principle elements for the selection of site. This involves complex system of thought that address nature as a series of cycles in which the five elements of nature existed in harmony with one another. These elements include water in winter, wood in spring, fire in summer, and metal in the fall, with earth dominating the transitional ...