Landscape Design for Remodeling of the National Theater of Korea

국립중앙극장 리모델링 조경설계

Ihis landscape design was proposed for the Remodeling for the National Theater of Korea Competition. Today, the National Theater of Korea, located in Jangchoongfong, Joong-gu, Seoul, asks plans for renovation. The landscape design for the remodeling of the theater is conducted as part of comprehensive programs for its renovation. The Government sought design proposals through a design competition in April, 2002. The authors proposed a landscape design for remodeling the National Theater of Korea and won first place in the competition. The landscape design covers the following a survey of the present status, a site analysis, a schematic design, and design, development. In the authors'design, heavens, humans, earth and nature are symbolically expressed within the site. The outdoor spaces of the National Theater of Korea are organically composed of the following low spaces : 1) a field of creation; 2) a field of recreation; 3) a field of meeting; and 4) a field of contemplation. The field of creation consists of a main entrance, spaces for public performance and plays, spaces with symbolic water features, and resting areas. The field of recreation is composed of various exhibition spaces. The field of meeting consists of traditional Korean-style gardens and an outdoor cafeteria. The field of contemplation features lawns, grasses and trees, and provides an area for pedestrian strolling. The outdoor spaces of the National Theater of Korea would produce an atmosphere suited to a cultural and artistic place. In the spaces, people would perceive a unique sense of place through various types of fountains, pergolas, columns, walls, light poles and bollards. An example of the true meaning of a cultural space and a resting place is provided in these spaces. The renovated National Theater of Korea would be a new type of theater with regional context, cultural meaning, spatial identity, various amenities with symbolic images, function and beauty.