November 9th 2010. The Korea Society welcomes Mr. Michael Manfredi, Ms.
Marion
Weiss and Master Sung Chul Whang to discuss their winning master plan and
concept
design for Taekwondo Park, in Muju, Korea. Korea'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. |
