HOUSE

As a matter of fact, the “houses” in this book are somewhat unfamiliar and unconventional. Included in this book as types of “housing” are weekend homes or pensions where the stay tends to be short and non-periodic, and sleeping quarters created in neighborhood facilities and workplaces. Nevertheless, the architectural elements witnessed in these places are rooted in the fundamental definition of a house, although somewhat different from the traditional one.

Each work is introduced through an essay written by the architect, in its raw and unedited form. As the direction of each writing is different, it may deprive the book of a unifying theme, but it will be more helpful in understanding the actual thoughts and conflicts experienced by architects.

Through these “houses,” we can compare architectural designs that, each in its own way, attempt to reflect the program, functions and sentiments related to a house that change along with social and cultural trends. Each architect came up with a realistic answer that fulfills different sets of conditions and objectives, exhibiting new materials, experimental designs, rational problem-solving and rich emotional experience. Concept and expression, program and functions, materials and details – these are the keywords for building a house that, when put together, set the direction for the house.

“What is a house?” The answer to this question may be either emotional or specific for the broad meaning that we tend to associate with a house. But no matter the stated answer, each of us, in our subconscious, has individual intentions about a house. In the end, what matters are our views on the house. After all, it is where our city, our architecture and our culture begin.
Sang-leem Lee _ Editor