Permeating Beyond

Abstract

In traditional Korean architecture, translucency is a critical element bearing its unique architectural aesthetic. Therefore, if one wants to establish Koreaness in architecture, the translucency can be a vital inspiring architectural dialogue to be explored. On the other hand, in contemporary architecture, translucency arguably is also one of the most noticeable architectural features. The interpretation and application is diverse, yet the unique aesthetical sensation of translucency in contemporary architecture is well acclaimed and practiced by many architects in their projects. The architectural dialogue aroused by translucency can be defined as ambiguity and subtlety, since its blurring character effects on the spatial perception and creates an indeterminate architectural dialogue. As it is neither completely transparent nor opaque, it opens a unique visual dialogue in spaces. On a translucent skin, blurring traces or outlines of substances of the other side are casted, provoking sensual acuteness and expanding beyond the space in a perceptual level. In this perceptual process, a subtle spatial synchronization occurs and destroys the distinctive spatial separation between inside and outside. This perceptual expansion of spaces can also be found through transparent materials, yet the enhanced spatial experience is evidently different. Translucent skin surely provides visual penetration, yet it doesn't show everything. Though the intensity can be varied by applications, it shows only existential presence of the other side, and hides details behind silhouette. Therefore, the autonomy of spaces still remains though the distinctive separation between spaces is diluted. Spatial experience comes with sight and touch; physical and mental.1 The subtlety and ambiguity of translucency imbue a unique and significant architectural language into spaces with its own visual and tactile stimulation. And that is the very aesthetic flavour of Korean traditional architecture. This thesis will study the spatial qualities and dialogues provoked by the translucency of traditional Korean architecture and also the translucency of contemporary architecture, however, the focus of the study is not merely confined on the materialistic character of translucency, this thesis will explore the ambiguous and subtle spatial aesthetics which can be called as translucent. Therefore, the unique architectural significance of translucent space as an architectural discourse which is neither less transparent nor less opaque by means of reinterpreting Korean traditional translucency.