SPACE March 2025 (No. 688)
Exhibition view of ‘Architects’ Photography 2025 – Static Movement’ ©Jin Yoonsoo
Architectural Drawing series SSD108 by Hwang Limkyu ©Hwang Limkyu
Photographs, from the point of view of an architect, can become an alternative form of architecture that capture a specific time and space. ‘Architects’ Photography 2025 – Static Movement’, a sequel to ‘Architects’ Drawings 2024(思惟)’, is currently on view at TOPOHAUS, Seoul. The exhibition, an extension of last year’s show, explores the ‘vision of the architect’ through photography.
Twenty-three architects, including Mihn Hyunjun (principal, MPART Architects), Yoo Ehwa (ITM YOOEHWA ARCHITECTS), Choi Wook (principal, ONE O ONE architects), and emerging architects, have participated in this exhibition, each of whom submitted 2 – 4 pieces of work. By presenting those photographs, an essential step in the design process, architects attempt to share their perspectives and visual sensibilities. As suggested by the exhibition’s theme, Static Movement, visitors can discover movement (靜) within stillness (動).
Photographs from these 23 architects capture fleeting moments and scenes shaped by the dynamic movement of both their subjects and the camera lens. Despite being a static medium, photography in this exhibition delivers an inherent sense of dynamics, the interplay of space and its surrounding elements. Through these exhibition works, visitors will encounter fresh perspectives on spaces reimagined by architects.
In Ryoo Inkeun (co-principal, YOAP architects)’s work, Skylight Constructed Through a Matrix, partial images of an array of skylights are revealed, reminiscent of a pattern without columns on the side. Meanwhile, in Architectural Drawing series, Hwang Limkyu (principal, Yaerhim Architects) uses special photographic techniques, the long exposure, to render the phases of the project like a drawing. Ryoo Inkeun interprets architecture as ‘a series of carefully designed scenes’, while Hwang Limkyu views it as the intended outcome of human will. Works from both architects reflect their unique perspectives and intuitions of reading the ‘will’ embedded within architecture. In everyday life, there are countless interactions with buildings that embed the ‘will’. Photographs capturing one specific moment can open up a new horizon of understanding architecture.
Four works from Lee Sungbeom (principal, LSBA) including One Morning After a Night Shift, An Encounter on a Business Trip, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Leave Early will deeply resonate with other architects. Specifically, architects may be struck by the familiarity of the following images; students heading back to have a short rest after an all-nigher in their studios, or the daybreak sky that all designers face as the deadline approaches. Respecting the unique sensations of all-night work, of its sensitivity and restlessness, and noting the quiet of the early morning, is an area of sensory apprehension in the exhibition.
A series of works, Windows Embracing the Time by Chun Yseo (principal, Chun Architects) illustrates the changing of light over time and its relationship with architecture. Through these works, she underscores the fact that architecture is not merely a static structure but living matter. Visitors can better understand her perspective, architecture embracing the time, by focusing on the dynamic relationship between three elements; architecture, light, and time.
This exhibition explores the potential of photography. Beyond serving simply as a design tool, it pushes its boundaries to become a showcase of ‘sight of architect’. Furthermore, the overlapping of architects and visitors can create new interpretations. ‘Architects’ Photography 2025 – Static Movement’ offers an opportunity for a new interpretation of architecture and photograhy.
