Gyeongbokgung

View from Gyeongbokgung roofs to mountains

With mountains to the north, a traditional Korean residential neighborhood to the West and city to the East and South, Gyeongbokgung is in the heart of Seoul, at a juxtaposition between old and new. A tourist spot? Yes, but what interests me most about this palace is understanding how Seoul began, the processional layout of the palace buildings and its grounds, and its relationship to the mountains beyond.

Several important observations:

- Views (framed) from city to mountains: Korean architecture prioritises the relationship between (and views to) architecture and landscape. There is also a similarity between the roof scape and landscape - purposeful or coincidental?
- Traditional Korean building systems and materials – 'Ondol' (under floor heating) provides warmth through raised floors; an ancient tradition. Also traditional, is the use of paper on walls and windows and the consequent effect on lighting
- Light conditions in Seoul seems different from other places. What may partly explain this is that in October, Seoul has an average of eight hours sunlight a day. Comparatively, London has just three hours during the same month. Undisputedly, this will have an impact on the use of natural light saving electricity and effective use of thermal mass.
- Colour and decoration: brightly painted facades and decorative patterns

Architecture referencing landscape

Colour, decoration and paper