Seoul Biennale International Competition... Theme: 'Resilient City'

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 29th that it will hold a call for artists to participate in the theme exhibition and urban exhibition of the '2021 Seoul Urban Architecture Biennale.' Applications can be submitted through the official website until July 31.

Marking its third edition, the Seoul Biennale, set to open in September next year, has appointed the world-renowned French architect Dominique Perrault as the general director. Under the tentative theme "Crossroads, Building Resilient Cities," it aims to form a discourse among cities worldwide.

Future cities face various challenges caused by overpopulation, climate change, and environmental destruction. In particular, the recent pandemic experienced globally has highlighted how closely connected and interdependent cities are. Accordingly, the Seoul Biennale plans to discuss "urban resilience" as a way for modern cities to move toward sustainability in times of crisis.

The main theme will be explored in depth through five intersecting sub-themes.

1. Above/Below: The potential use of aboveground and underground spaces in response to urban overcrowding

2. Heritage/Modern: The importance of preservation and regeneration

3. Craft/Digital: A productive city through the coexistence of past and modern technologies

4. Natural/Artificial: The significance of nature in urban architecture

5. Safe/Risk: Safe cities from risks and their roles

The competition is open not only to experts in urban architecture but also to individuals from other fields, including students, researchers, artists, and critics. Pre-registration is required by the 30th of next month to submit works. After completing registration, proposals and related documents must be submitted through the website before the competition deadline.

Submission of proposals will take place over one month from July 1 to July 31. Once submissions are complete, Seoul will select works according to the competition’s evaluation procedures and criteria, and announce the winners on the official website in October.

Winners will receive artist fees that include research funds, installation, and participation support. Additionally, winning works will be exhibited at the Seoul Biennale, and selected artists will be invited to the opening and closing ceremonies and related events. Detailed schedules and information will be announced on the official website.

General Director Perrault stated, “This will be a significant attempt to reflect on the pandemic situation cities worldwide are experiencing, the relationships among various urban elements and their responses, and to declare a manifesto for sustainable cities.”

Perrault’s representative works include the French National Library (1995), Berlin Velodrome and Olympic Swimming Pool (1999), European Court of Justice in Luxembourg (2008), Ewha Womans University Campus in Seoul (2008), and Vienna DC Tower (2014). Current projects include the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Village (2024) and the Yeongdong-daero Complex Transfer Center in Seoul.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.