Have you ever reflected upon how influential what we read everyday is on our lives? We live in a society where thousands of articles pour in on us on a daily basis, but how many of the stories we read among this vast pool of information remain with us beyond the next page? For one young man, the words he read in an article were enough motivation for him to make a life changing decision. The reader was current Professor Hyon SEO of the Division of Architectural Engineering on the Hanyang University Seoul Campus, and the article was from a publication called, 'Rebels of Modern Architecture.' The paper inspired Prof. SEO to enter the world of architecture and further, to design plans to reconstruct the public square in front of City Hall in Seoul.
A public square for people, not for cars
 The Seoul Municipal Office recently announced Prof. Hyon SEO as the prizewinner for his 'Plan for the Public Square in front of City Hall'. The public square is internationally recognized for the large amount of publicity generated during the 2002 World Cup, wherein hundreds of thousands of red t-shirt clad citizens gathered to root for the home team. It is also where a recent candlelight vigil and peaceful demonstration was held to mourn for the two middle school girls who were accidentally crushed to death by U.S. soldiers driving a heavy military vehicle.
The main theme of Prof. SEO's plan was what he calls 'The Public Square of Lights'. According to his plan, the public square will be enhanced with lights, glass, and monitors. Although many have favorably commented on his design for the project, there have also been those who criticize it. There are mainly two opposing groups; one group objects to the idea of restoring the public square and the other opposes the main theme of the plan. Despite these criticisms however, Prof. SEO remains determined about his project.
"I believe the reconstruction of the public square is essential. There are some people who worry about the possible traffic jams due to the project and after. But considering how complicated the roads have become in the area, and how bad the traffic is now, the project could do little to make the situation worse. What should be remembered is that the public space should be accessible to everyone. Whether you own a car or not, the space in front of the city hall is for the general public. But unfortunately, the way the space has been used is not for the majority of people, but rather for automobile drivers. The area is not pedestrian friendly. You can't even find a pedestrian crossing there; to cross a street, you have to use an underpass. I would like to change this space for the benefit of the majority of the public."
 The demand from citizens to restore the public square is getting higher. Prof. SEO believes this is due to the pervasive trend of citizens to mobilize to voice their concerns. Prof. SEO's public square plan is a reflection of the people's desire for more public space.
"The power of citizens is getting stronger these days partly due to the effective use of high communication technology like mobile phones and high speed communication networks like the internet. The 2002 World Cup made us feel that we belong to one community and share the same culture, regardless of background, education, profession, etc. There developed a strong sense of unity. This notion is something I want to continue through my public square plan, making it a comfortable place where people can go and enjoy, and feel apart of the community."
A city with history
People who are opposed to the 'Public Square of Lights' argue that it would not harmonize well with the surrounding environment, namely with venerable structures including DukSoo Palance as well as other buildings with traditional architecture lying in the vicinity. Curiously, how would these opponents describe the horrendous traffic and corresponding pollution, air and noise, resulting from the huge daily influx of cars, trucks, buses and etc.
 "Since the construction of City Hall in 1926, there have been many changes in the area; Subway Line No.1 opened in 1974 as did The Plaza Hotel in 1976; and a traditional style park 'Wonkootan' was built in 1999. This space in front of City Hall has a history of its own; one of change. So I don't see any reason to stop making efforts to improve and develop the area for the public good. Building may come and go and aren't always accessible to everyone. A public space on the other hand, is for all to enjoy."
Prof. SEO refers to Jacques Ren Chirac, a French politician, saying that, "Architects should create impressionable images of their city. Paris for example, is world famous for its incredible urban landscape, which embodies French culture and spirit."
"I think when an architect successfully captures the spirit of the people, it's manifested in the finished work. The Posco Center is meaningful in this regard. First of all, the outer wall made of glass is revealing which symbolizes transparency or honest of the organization. The lobby is open for the general public as well, which is also symbolic. These aspects would not have been utilized if the organization was not confident and perceptive to the public. At the same time, the use of glass in the construction requires an advanced level of skill. The Posco Center is an accomplishment for us, proving to ourselves that we can successfully improve upon architectural techniques, by combining self-reliance with confidence."
Mold the future through the power of observation and imagination
 Korean modern has been described as practically but not aesthetically-oriented. The numerous, monotonous square or rectangular buildings that blanket the city landscape are examples. On the other hand, the Posco Center is what can be called future-oriented. Prof. SEO says there are a number of buildings that are future-oriented such as the Seoul Tower and the Hilton Hotel, both in Seoul. His ideas and views on architecture are described in his book called, 'Architecture, listen to it like music and observe it like paintings'. In the 1990's, the book was selected as recommended reading by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
"In this book, architecture is described as something you look at and enjoy. If someone is able to comment on a painting or music, similarly a person should be able to comment on architecture. People are inherently appreciative of beauty. If buildings are aesthetically pleasing, public interest can be evoked with understanding and appreciation of the meanings underlying an architect's design, following thereafter. So it is up to the architect to introduce to the public, new and interesting designs."
 Unfortunately, our urban landscape in its present form looks mostly void of interesting buildings, lacking any kind of meaning and imagination. There are however, a few hidden gems tucked away here and there amid the sea dull and uncreative structures. Prof. SEO suggests that looking for these buildings is like a treasure hunt for good architecture. He points out that impressive structures can be found around Korea if one looks hard. And to students Prof. SEO advises the use of the power of observation and imagination to not only compare and contrast the good with the bad, but also in the future designs of their own buildings and structures.
"It is important to observe objects carefully and to think about your impressions of the object. It is also important to develop your imagination to view an object in different situations. You need to adopt yourself and your views to the changing world. This is how progress occurs. I would hope all Hanyang students can learn to observe well and develop their imaginations to help them create a new generation of exciting and impressive architecture."
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