Seoul: Of Islands and Megastructures

This book explores the architectural composition of megacities like Seoul and the dichotomy between city and urbanization. It reevaluates ideas from avant-garde groups of the 1950s,1960s, and 1970s for the 21st-century megacity, using Seoul as a case study. The aim is to present an infra-architectural hybrid model of typological islands and subterranean megastructures to organize Seoul as a flexible multi-linear city.

Format: Hardback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Understanding Seoul as a Formal Architectural Composition

Seoul, a bustling megacity, presents a unique challenge when it comes to comprehending its architectural landscape. Often perceived as an endless urban sprawl, this book aims to shift our perspective and perceive Seoul as a meticulously crafted formal composition. By delving into the intricate interplay between city and urbanization, the book explores the dichotomy between bounded forms and the expansive infrastructural project of urbanization.

It is a widely acknowledged fact that urbanization is a relentless global phenomenon that has given rise to enigmatic conurbations, commonly referred to as megacities. These sprawling urban landscapes transcend the administrative boundaries of individual cities, creating a discrepancy between the area of administrative control and the actual physical condition of human settlement. A deeper formal understanding of mega-cities through their typological architectural conditions holds the potential to enhance our assessment of the qualitative state of urbanization.

In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, avant-garde groups such as Team X, the Situationist, the Structuralist, and the Metabolist ventured into the realm of megaforms and megastructures to address this pressing issue. While many of these proposals remained mere paper architectures, this book reevaluates some of these ideas for the 21st-century megacity, utilizing Seoul as a case study due to its distinct typological formations that have emerged over its various periods of governance.

The objective of this book is to present a concept for an infra-architectural hybrid model of typological islands and subterranean megastructures that organizes Seoul as a flexible multi-linear city. By integrating these elements, the book seeks to redefine the urban landscape, creating a harmonious and sustainable environment for its inhabitants.

This book will appeal to academics and students specializing in architecture, urban geography, and Asian studies, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of urbanization and the potential for innovative architectural solutions. By exploring Seoul as a formal architectural composition, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the city's rich history, cultural diversity, and future growth.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032684949