For Gwangju Folly, Cultural Icon
Gwangju Folly is part of Gwangju’s unique cultural landscape. It’s fifth edition Re:Folly, with the theme of circularity, is at the finish line. It is a theme that encompasses the global issue of climate change. All the projects of Re:Folly use circular architectural materials. Natural and recycled resources from Gwangju, Wando, Goheung, Damyang, Naju, Yeosu – for example the oyster and cockle shells and seaweed – are used to make bricks, tiles, and structural components. Artistic Director Pai Hyungmin of the University of Seoul, six curators with diverse expertise, four architectural teams have worked tirelessly to make the projects meaningful and successful. Cho Namho’s Breathing Folly, Toyo Ito’s Urushi Shell, Assemble, BC, and Atelier LUMA’s Eco Hanok, BARE’s Air Folly comprise the projects of the 5th Gwangju Folly. They function as small civic hubs in Gwangju Folly Promenade, a project that links the new Re:Folly projects with the existing Follies around the Asia Culture Center. In the same spirit of circularity, an urban promenade that our citizens can use for strolling, rest, and participating in public events has been created. A variety of public programs for children and adults, on architectural material, crafts, and culinary culture have made the 5th Gwangju Folly that much richer and delightful. Gwangju Follies are a part of the urban regeneration efforts of the Gwangju Metropolitan City. Begun in 2011, 32 Follies have found its way into key locations of Gwangu. And popular follies such as Lee Leenam and Kim Min-Kuk’s tollgate Light of Mudeung and Moon Hoon and Reality United’s View Folly on the top of Gwangju Visual Content Center have become part of the city and its everyday life. Every year, the architects and artists of the world’s cities come to Gwangju. The designers of these small public architectural structures, taking one to two years to realize, connect Gwangju to the world. The cumulative experience of the Gwangju Folly is a legacy that contributes to Gwangju as a global cultural city. As with the Gwangju Biennale, I anticipate that corresponding to the hard work and dedication of the Gwangju Folly, it will become a cultural icon. With confidence that it will endear itself to our citizens, I thank all that have made it possible.
Kang Kijeong Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City
The fifth edition of Gwangju Folly, under the title Re:Folly, takes a deep look at the circulation of resources. Climate change is the most challenging issue of our time, with its impact being felt not only on a macro environmental, social, and economic level but also in our daily lives. The fifth Gwangju Folly does not just raise the slogan of responding to the climate crisis but implements the circulation of materials and resources in creating the four follies, and explores the possibilities and limitations of a circular economy. On a practical level, using by-products and waste from nature and industry, we use “repurposed architecture” as a methodology to experiment with renewable planet-friendly building materials and construction methods. In the era of climate change, the theme of this edition’s Gwangju Folly presents a new role for architecture under the broad framework of climate, resources, and circulation. This year’s Gwangju Folly was preceded by a lengthy research process. Amidst the gaps of an economic system where production and supply chains have become global, ways to minimize carbon emissions while exploring the potential for local resources and materials were sought out. Focused on the Gwangju and Jeonnam region, the two-year process of research and development of reusable materials by all participating teams was significant in itself. Each team then took this experience and knowledge to strengthen and refine their projects. Public programs were also designed to support collective awareness of global climate change among the citizenry of Gwangju. Through the four new follies, citizens can learn about materials and methods, progressive circular building systems, that provide solutions to climate change. In addition, in the same spirit of “circulation,” the Gwangju Folly Promenade was created to organically connect the thirty existing follies in the center of Gwangju. As a special architectural and cultural resource, Gwangju Folly has played an important role in Gwangju’s city branding. Revitalizing the decaying old city center, it converges architecture and art with Gwangju’s historical and cultural foundations. Going forward, it will continue to serve as a tool to implement special public facilities and design. Gwangju Folly will continue to promote the multi-dimensional development of a city for the people.
Park Yangwoo President of Gwangju Biennale Foundation