Sehoon Lee _ Architecture Portfoilo

01_Nature Project_Mendenhall Glacier

The "Nature Project" is an in-depth academic undertaking aimed at dissecting the intricacies of natural phenomena from a design perspective. Rather than skimming the shape of the surface, my objective is to delve deep into the underlying mechanisms responsible for shaping the natural world. Within this exploration, the Mendenhall Glacier has captured my attention, particularly its captivating network of caves. These glacier caves possess an ethereal allure, enveloping visitors in an atmosphere of mystery and wonder. As products of millennia-long geological processes, they serve as tangible manifestations of nature's artistic prowess. Each stalactite and icy chamber tells a story of relentless erosion and transformation, inviting me to unravel their secrets. My research endeavored to uncover the nuanced processes that gave rise to these enchanting formations within the Mendenhall Glacier. By dissecting geological data and analyzing environmental factors, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of their formation mechanisms. Ultimately, my findings will not only enrich our appreciation of these natural wonders but also inform future design endeavors with newfound insights into the intricate workings of nature

Glacier caves, unlike typical caves, are transient formations resulting from the interaction of ice, water, and external forces along glacier sides. Over millennia, pressure and shifting topography create fractures in glaciers, which widen and merge int o caverns. These caves are ephemeral, subject to continual transformation and disappearance due to the glacier's dynamic nature.

The genesis of these mysterious caves traces back millennia, with the intricate dance of natural forces shaping their existence. Over the span of thousands of years, pressures exerted by immense masses of ice have gradually built up, resulting in the formation of minute fractures within the glacier. As the glacier's topography shifts and adapts to environmental changes, these fractures propagate and widen, eventually coalescing into expansive caverns. What makes glacier caves truly fascinating is the intricate interplay of external forces. Through these fractures, elements from the surrounding environment penetrate into the heart of the glacier, exerting their influence on the cave's inner workings. This influx of external energies contributes to the ongoing evolution of the cave's structure, subtly altering its appearance and characteristics over time. The persistent movement of these forces illuminates nature's remarkable resilience and adaptability. With meticulous precision, They sculpt a labyrinthine network of twists and turns within the glacier, continuously forging fresh spaces and refining existing ones in an endless, fluid progression.

As pressure increases and the terrain gets steeper toward the glacier's end, movement speeds up. This faster movement favors glacier cave formation. The added pressure and strain on the ice cause many crevasses to form near the end, further increasing the chance of glacier caves forming..

Galcier Frequency Vibration

Glaciers may seem solid, but they vibrate within a frequency range of 400 to 484 THz, aligning with the red end of the sunlight spectrum. As sunlight enters the glacier, the red light is absorbed, especially as it goes deeper into the ice. This leads to glacier caves having a surreal blue color due to how light is absorbed and scattered within the ice. _Nature Project_Mendenhall Glacier

Glacial caves, fleeting as they may be, serve as transient yet profound spaces molded over extensive periods of time by a complex interplay of continuous and collective forces. These forces, while imperceptible to the naked eye, imbue the cave's interior with an intangible energy that becomes palpable when perceived as a solid, volumetric mass. This conceptual shift allows me to delve deeper into the intricacies of natural processes, providing a clearer insight into the unseen forces that shape our world. In order to understand the power of this space, it is necessary to see the empty space as a space with volume.

01_Nature

Project_Mendenhall Glacier

A glacier cave, a fleeting marvel of nature, exists momentarily yet intricately entwined with the collective and ceaseless forces shaping our world. Despite its apparent void, it conceals a remarkable power that only becomes apparent when we perceive the emptiness within as a substantial volume. Standing at the entrance of the glacier cave, nestled at the glacier's terminus, I carefully ignite a smoke source before sealing the entrance shut. With each wisp of smoke, we begin to unravel the complex tapestry of forces that have sculpted this space over time. As we rewind the historical imprints of these powerful forces in reverse order, we unveil the latent potency concealed within the void. Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, the smoke begins to permeate the space, gently rising and weaving its way through the cracks and crevices in the icy walls. With each passing moment, the smoke gathers momentum, ascending through the gaps and fractures on the surface with increasing fervor. In this delicate dance between smoke and ice, we witness the magnitude of the underlying force that has shaped this cave, the sheer power of nature made tangible before our eyes. Through this visual spectacle, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate dynamics at play within the glacier cave, a testament to the enduring influence of natural forces on our ever-changing planet.

01_Nature

Project_Mendenhall Glacier

Model :

02_Relocated Axes

: History of the Gwanghwamun

:Axis of past Gwanghwamun

:Axis of present Gwanghwamun

Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul, South Korea, symbolizes the coexistence of tradition and modernity, serving as a focal point for dominant ideologies throughout history. Yukjo Street, established around 1395, was centered on Gwanghwamun's axis. In the past, Gwanghwamun had a single, strong axis, but today it's a blend of many axes due to ideological clashes, altering the clarity of old axes' boundaries.

The aim is to visually represent this blend with minimal distortion, proposing a new understanding by internalizing Gwanghwamun Square. By subtly adjusting Gwanghwamun's longstanding axis, a visualization of blending historical and contemporary axes is proposed, offering a new perspective for understanding the power of axes. The Gwanghwamun Square internalization project adds new value and depth to our understanding of boundaries and axes.

I've chosen to construct on a slope, serving as the path where individuals ascend from the subway station to ground level. This incline marks the transition point where one directly faces Gwanghwamun as their gaze elevates. Consequently, the slope embodies an ambiguous space, neither entirely outside nor inside. By positioning the "Relocated Axis" within this area, we aim to offer a novel perspective of Gwanghwamun Square. Through a slight distortion of Gwanghwamun's strong axis and the resulting visual amalgamation, we seek to internalize Gwanghwamun Square.

This involves bridging the external realm into the ambiguous slope space, effectively blurring the delineation between inside and outside. Our intention with the installation of the "Relocated Axis" is to provide viewers with a fresh outlook on Gwanghwamun Square. Through the subtle manipulation of Gwanghwamun's axis and the consequent visual integration, we endeavor to create a space where the outside is drawn inward, enriching the experience of the surrounding environment and supposing a new value for understanding Gwanghwamun Square.

Gwanghwamun

Gwangwhamun Square

Slope & Stair

Subway Stations & History Museum(Basement)

The integration of rotational kinetic boards reflects the interplay of various axes of modernity, blending the historical significance of Gwanghwamun Gate with the contemporary essence of Gwanghwamun Square. This collage serves as a bridge between past and present, intertwining the spatial narratives of both iconic landmarks. By facilitating dynamic movement and reconfiguration, the rotational kinetic boards dissolve the traditional boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, creating a seamless continuum between the realms within and outside Gwanghwamun Square. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of unity and fluidity, where visitors can traverse through the architectural landscape with ease, experiencing the convergence of historical legacy and contemporary vitality.

: Video

02

Relocated Axes

The rotational kinetic board utilized earlier introduces a visual blend within Gwanghwamun Square, evoking a sense of spatial ambiguity and fostering a distinctive spatial encounter. This ambiguity encourages curiosity and exploration, thereby enhancing the hospitality encounter. Overall, I believe that extending this spatial ambiguity to other settings and enabling individuals to engage with it will redefine the interaction between individuals and architecture, enriching the architectural encounter by fostering creativity, collaboration, and discovery across various environments.

Warped Mirror Board

: Video

03_Transformation Project _ Squa-ring

Transformation design projects aim to stimulate the human senses and provide new spatial and temporal perspectives.I analyzed Chuck Hoberman's transformation system and created my own version. Hoberman's designs smoothly change shape in three dimensions, with the ability to revert to their original state and repeat the process. His objects consist of multiple parts, termed "kinetic building blocks," moving based on geometric principles. His designs induce observers to experience a condensed temporal journey, perceiving simultaneous changes in space and time.

Through my research on Chuck Hoberman's scissor structure, I discovered a new scissor structure that behaves differently from the traditional scissor structure. Unlike Chuck Hoeberman's scissor structures, the new scissor structures are characterized by the ability to completely expand or disappear the spaces created when the scissor units are connected. When these structures are connected via links in the plane, they show a radial, expanding, and rotating transformation like a flower in full bloom. Through this movement, they are materialized into objects that can bring out new values in space and time.

X-shaped bar Folding and opening movements are designed to stay within a limited unit line.

My new scissor structure

V-shaped bar vertex joints Folding and translation results in the unit line moving at the opposite angle from the original angle

Hoberman’s scissor structure

The process Angulated Units are created Chuck Hoberman’s Scissor Unit

Two-dimensional combining

The shape is constantly changing due to the imbalance of the weight of the objects on the shelf. The imbalance of weight keeps the overall shape balanced.

Transforming Shelf Video :

03 Transformation Project _ Squa-ring / Personal work

Three-dimensional combining

: Transforming Lighting Video

The three-dimensional connection of the scissor structure allows the shape to be deformed by external forces, and the light intensity can be adjusted strongly

UCL ID NO 24218541

The sensory information processed through the visual system plays a crucial role in our perception of object shapes. Moreover, we can also perceive abstract concepts such as time through the organization and interpretation of visual cues derived from the changing shapes of objects. When it comes to moving objects, time is inherently intertwined with motion itself, manifesting through the interplay of temporal and spatial dimensions.

My Transformation design aims to facilitate users' perception of volumetric changes by employing the expansion and contraction of three-dimensional spaces. Throughout this transformation process, the conventional notions of space and time may not remain constant; rather, they evolve dynamically. As the modules expand within the network, users may experience moments of rapid expansion, evoking sensations of acceleration within specific sections.

This heightened awareness of temporal compression serves to punctuate our perception of real-time events, disrupting the linear flow of time and fostering a novel spatial-temporal imagination. Consequently, it opens avenues for discovering fresh meanings within the experience of a unique

Top view

Front view

perspective view

04_Parametric design_Chanel Facade

Chanel quilting pattern

Form finding process

I proposed implementing a parametric design for the exterior of the Chanel store, focusing on Chanel's iconic quilting pattern. The intersecting lines formed by the sewing machine result in a diamond shape. Upon stamping the fabric, compression occurs, while the surrounding area maintains its original thickness, accentuating Chanel's signature quilting pattern. I concentrated on the external forces responsible for this pattern and integrated them into a parametric design featuring repeating hexahedral modules.

parametric design process

Room divider

04_Parametric design_Chanel Facade

05_ Ceramics Collaboration Project _Connected Branches

To celebrate Christmas, we collaborated with a ceramicist to craft a distinctive piece. Drawing inspiration from the Christmas tree, we structured the branches and applied L2 to simplify the angles. Utilizing a laser, we engraved the simplified branch design onto a flat piece of porcelain clay. Following the engraving process, the porcelain underwent high-temperature kiln firing, exceeding 1300 degrees, to ensure durability. Once cooled, we reassembled the branch structure to finalize the tree's silhouette. Simplified