Sequence/Section: Taekwondo Park

Sequence/Section: Taekwondo Park with Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi Partners, Weiss/Manfredi Sung Chul and Jun Chul Whang Consultants, Muju Taekwondo Park Taekwondo Instructor, Westside Taekwondo Moderated by Jinhee Park and John Hong Partners, SSd Curators, Convergent Flux Korea As World Design Capital 2010, Seoul, the epicenter for architecture and design in Korea, is receiving renewed international recognition for its public spaces and buildings. With increased interest from international “starchitects,” the emergence of new young Korean design firms, and the increased investment interest of international firms, Seoul may be the first of many Korean cities that best exemplifies “design-led development.” The country’s urban development is marked by a new treatment of public spaces, cultural institutions, and heightened notions of sustainability. South Korea’s rich history, developing infrastructure, and willingness to experiment has helped to shape its identity through the built environment. These changes, along with global recognition of its flourishing culture and leadership in technology, have attracted international designers to weave their structures into the existing city fabric and to create entire new citiscapes from the ground up. This series of lectures addresses South Korea’s rapid cultural and economic growth through the built environment. The presentations lead-up to The Korea Society's December opening of "Convergent Flux Korea," an exhibition curated by Jinhee Park and John Hong of SsD, Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, and Hailim Suh and his research team. Both the series and the exhibition address current architecture and urban design projects at many scales. From the ground-up construction of entire cities, to re-envisioning small public spaces, the series highlights the diversity and scope of design in Korea today. The second lecture in the "Design Currents" series takes place on November 9th, 2010. The Korea Society and The Architectural League of New York welcome Michael Manfredi and Marion Weiss to discuss their winning master plan and concept design for Taekwondo Park, in Muju, Korea. The country's rapid urban development has brought with it a renewed interest in the design of public spaces and cultural institutions, an emphasis on sustainability, and an awareness of the importance of preserving open spaces. At this vital intersection, Korea has demonstrated innovation and its rich cultural history through the built environment. Taekwondo Park, a dynamic gateway to the physical and philosophical world of Taekwondo, establishes an athletic and cultural destination for the sport’s 70 million practitioners from around the world. The new athletic and cultural destination will be located on a 600-acre site, in an area noted for its hilly terrain and nationally protected forests. Weiss/Manfredi based their design for Taekwondo Park around three distinct precincts that represent body, mind, and spirit. Bridges and pathways link a sequence of programs ranging from the spectacle of the arena to the serenity of a healing-center retreat. Throughout the park, the distinction between building and site is blurred—architectural elements and buildings are imagined as an inhabitable topography. One continuous park, weaving architecture, landscape, and infrastructure, embodies the spirit of Tae Kwon Do and reflects the drama intrinsic to the site. Tickets are free for League members; $10 for Korea Society members and students, $20 for non-members. League members may reserve a ticket by e-mailing:[email protected]. Member tickets will be held at the check-in desk; unclaimed tickets will be released fifteen minutes after the start of the program. Korea Society members and Non-members may purchase tickets at www.koreasociety.org Co-presented by The Korea Society and The Architectural League of New York