Tracing the Korean Pavilion

Loading SketchUp file

Stage 6. Pavilion with Consistent Modules and a Rooftop Terrace

1994.02.11

Module
Undulating Wall
Lagoon
Balcony
Trees

Modeling Sources
Documents directly reflected in the 3D model for the corresponding stage.

Design Commentary
The design content and its development as documented in the archival records.

This proposal further refines the solution developed through the two architects' collaborative work in Korea. Its most significant departure from the previous proposal is the consistent application of the module. Rather than the narrow gap between the existing building and the new structure, a consistent modular system of one-half the width of the existing brick building is applied, with the space thereby gained allocated to the north side. As a result, a rectangular exhibition space six meters wide extending from east to west is secured, while the structural system is rationalized, improving the pavilion's functionality as an exhibition venue. The undulating wall on the north side is adjusted to a form that avoids disturbing the surrounding trees while maximizing the interior space. The western space overlooking the lagoon: shallow body of water surrounding Venice, partially separated from the sea by sandbars is separated from the interior exhibition rooms and redesigned as a curved balcony, which connects naturally to the undulating wall on the north side. An exterior staircase is planned between the existing brick building and the western balcony to naturally link the pedestrian flow from the waterfront up to the rooftop terrace. While this proposal was being developed, an additional tree was discovered at the site’s northwest corner, leaving the task of accommodating yet another protected tree as the next challenge to be resolved.

Model Interpretation
Interpretations and judgments made by the research team in reconstructing the 3D model.

For the Stage 6 design, modeling was carried out on the basis of the floor plan contained in the “Fax from Archiban to F. Mancuso” dated February 15, 1994 (MC-VB-01028), with additional reference to drawings judged to be supplementary floor plans, elevation drawings, and section drawings for this design (MC-VB-01514), as well as the model produced for the meeting with the Mayor of Venice in February 1994 (MC-VB-01537). Some discrepancies exist both among the drawings themselves and between the drawings and the model, and these are presumed to have arisen during the course of the design’s development. Details such as railings, staircases, and deureogeolgae-mun (folding-lift doors), only schematically indicated in the drawings, were reconstructed with reference to their forms in the Stage 7 and Stage 8 designs. The circular roof level surrounding the cylinder mass was set at the same level as the main roof. However, applying the structural system as drawn would have resulted in insufficient interior ceiling height. As this is presumed to be an error that could occur at a stage when design alternatives were still in progress, the reconstruction was completed by adopting the proportions of the aforementioned model (MC-VB-01537). Around the time this design was being developed, it became apparent that one of the protected trees conflicted with the building, prompting a design revision in the following stage. This protected tree has been rendered as concealed within the model.

Tracing the Korean Pavilion in Venice