Pavilion of Floating Lights l JK-AR

Reinventing the traditional East Asian timber architecture, The Pavilion of Floating Lights emerges as a remarkable ode to the grandeur of ‘-ru,’ the East Asian equivalent of a pavilion on a grander scale. The Pavilion of Floating Lights breathes life into six majestic tree-like columns by artfully reimagining the timeless assembling techniques and structural systems of wooden brackets. These towering tree structures pay a heartfelt tribute to the historic Chokseok-ru, with its six pillars standing tall since its construction in 1365, a glorious symbol of the city of Jinju, Korea – the very location of this visionary endeavor.

Pavilion of Floating Lights’ Design Concept

Central to the project’s vision is the commitment to preserving the authenticity of original carpentry craftsmanship. An ardent decision is made to forgo the use of nails and adhesives and instead embrace the ingenious utilization of complex plywood members, masterfully fabricated by the precision of a CNC router. Augmented Reality becomes a vital tool in construction, seamlessly assembling the intricate tree structures, heralding the revelation that technology can celebrate the rebirth of forgotten East Asian architectural artistry.

Beyond its aesthetic marvels, ‘The Pavilion of Floating Lights’ aspires to be a transformative civic platform for the historically enriched city of Jinju, nestled in the verdant embrace of Korea’s southern province. Tradition whispers that ‘-ru’ should grace the landscape as an iconic structure, offering elevated floors with sweeping vistas for private use or military observation.
However, this project deftly redefines the purpose of ‘-ru,’ opening its embrace to the public. Embracing the banks of the Namgang River, an iconic backdrop to historical events, the pavilion positions itself as a symbolic presence, especially during the celebrated Floating Lights Festival – a beloved local tradition.

Not merely an architectural wonder, the pavilion beckons visitors to immerse themselves in an enchanting communion of natural and urban realms. Drawing inspiration from the city’s ancient days when bamboo forests enfolded the riverside, the tree columns forge an interior ambiance reminiscent of wandering pathways through sylvan splendor.

Transparent glass walls add to the allure, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside, encapsulating the essence of openness. Within its embrace, ‘The Pavilion of Floating Lights’ assumes two roles – a sanctuary of enchanting interior allure and a symbol of undeniable grace when beheld from the outside.

The Pavilion of Floating Lights emerges as an architectural gem, skillfully revitalizing the essence of East Asian timber architecture, anchored by the storied ‘-ru’ tradition. Through a harmonious dance of age-old craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, this monumental project stands tall, celebrating the spirit of Jinju’s history while projecting a vision of hope and unity for its future. Its timeless grace and homage to the past illuminate the path to the continuity of cultural heritage for generations to come.