Architecture is the complex design work required before the construction work commences. However, it is not such a simple act of design. Rather, it is an expression of deep concerns for the people who will utilize the valuable space created inside the building. The latter definition of architecture, which puts emphasis on improving people’s quality of life through space, represents the philosophy that the late architect Chung Ki-Yong had. The documentary Talking Architect (2012) shows how architecture could not only be a way of showing, but also the act of telling that people matter before the technical details.  

 

 

   
 

A documentary completed in 2011, Talking Architect (2012) depicts the latter part Chung KiYong’s career as an architect, before he died of cancer in 2011. The film portrays in great depth and content, the life, voice, architecture, philosophy, and death of Chung. Yet, these elements are not independent from each other, but rather closely intertwined to create a very close connection. As it records the life of Chung two years before his death, and also as explicitly stated by him in the film that he wants to end his life with dignity, viewers can understand the sincere message that Chung desires to convey – that great architecture is not something fancy and grandiose, but rather something communicative to people’s needs and thoughts.

The documentary mainly consists of three parts, which are not chronologically ordered, but are divided according to specific topics. The first part is the activities that Chung engages in the year before his death such as the architecture projects he organized in multiple local communities, and an exhibition of his past works. The second part is short video clips inserted in between scenes that show his life as an architect in his 30s and 40s. It shows how his personal belief of the pure value of architecture has remained the same from the past to the present. Lastly, interviews with Chung’s colleagues and other architecture critics are presented to suggest viewers a better understanding of what kind of person Chung was.

What the three parts commonly imply is that Chung was a rare figure in the field of architecture pursuing a somewhat distinct philosophy in architecture. People might be familiar with several huge catastrophes in Korea due to defects in construction and architecture. The collapse of Sampoong Department Store, the Seongsu bridge, and the Shinhaegju bridge are some examples.

In Chung’s perspective, architecture done with an underlying obsession on budget, cost reduction, and rapid progress meant nothing unless it cares for the real convenience that people will enjoy from construction. In a line where he says, “Construction closely resembles contemporary medicine. Barriers are ruthlessly destroyed, passages are artificially created. A coarse version of medicine is construction, and a meticulous version of construction is medicine,” viewers can catch the underlying criticism.

 

   
▲ Architect Chung Ki-Yong staring at the camera. Provided by Zeden.co.kr.

This analogy he applied in describing how contemporary architecture and construction are progressing was genius in illustrating how an overly artificial and profit-oriented construction projects can lead to dissatisfaction by its users or even serious disasters. Also, his opinion about the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) helps as a guide in understanding his ethics. Chung mentioned that the intricate and trendy architectural style of DDP might be a good way to raise the brand value of Seoul city, and also represent the pride of Zaha Hadid, the designer of DDP. However, he argues, an architect should not put his or her pride before considerations for the people, thus Zaha Hadid’s ideas goes against Chung’s ideology.

Such arguments can be observed in several of Chung’s work introduced in the documentary, one of them being children’s libraries in several local villages that are equipped with sound environments for kids to play, learn, and interact. The community center with public bathhouses for the elderly is also Chung’s work that cared for people’s inconvenience and made efforts to make up for existing deficiencies. In being responsible for these projects, he was firmly consistent and sometimes stubborn in pursuing such value.

In some parts of the film, the audience will see Chung relentelessly criticizing government officials for ruining the intended plans of his. Despite having a very weak voice due to his illness, the charisma and determination shown in his speech are such that one could possibly be persuaded, even with a somewhat biased perspective of architectural philosophy.

The film also puts the spotlight on the meaning of death. Looking at the film within the framework of death, it is like a diary that helps him keep track of of and share with the world his valuable moments, even until the last minute of his life. He is physically weak, nonetheless strong inside.

The importance of having one’s life philosophy is emphasized here, as people are encouraged to ask themselves, “What is life,” “Who am I,” “From where do I come,” and “What is the work I do in this world.” Dying in dignity was the last dream he had that he slowly realized by preparing an exhibition with the organizers of Ilmin Museum of Arts, and interacting with other architects to spread his architectural philosophy.

Within the film, there are scenes that are overwhelming when old video clips overlap with his calm narratives, and when he is lying down to take some rest at his house while he peacefully ponders upon his career up until now. The ending part of the film, which portrays Chung’s death, marks the peak in the emotional line. It puts the audience in silence, partly because it shows how his death could be both happy and sad – happy because he did die in dignity and peace, and sad because the world lost an architect that possessed a strong heart.

This documentary gives us a new and valuable experience of knowing the importance of architecture in our lives. Not only is it significant, but there is deep philosophy embedded in his works. Just as the title of the film implies, architecture is not simply about showing off its magnificence and fanciness, but about telling people that it matters to people’s lives, and it could be a medium to communicate our life experiences.

 

<Film Information>

Title : Talking Architect (2012)

Running Time : 95 minutes

Director : Jeong Jae Eun

Release Date : March 8, 2012

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