Talking Architect is the first theatrical documentary about Korea's contemporary architecture and architects. The protagonist, architect CHUNG Gu-yon (1943-2011), is a representative architect belonging to the 2nd generation of Korea's contemporary architects. Unlike most 2nd generation architects who think of architecture as a fetish, he knows the limitations of architecture and doesn't worship it. He showed by example for whom an architect should work, and what kind of tool...more

Talking Architect is the first theatrical documentary about Korea's contemporary architecture and architects. The protagonist, architect CHUNG Gu-yon (1943-2011), is a representative architect belonging to the 2nd generation of Korea's contemporary architects. Unlike most 2nd generation architects who think of architecture as a fetish, he knows the limitations of architecture and doesn't worship it. He showed by example for whom an architect should work, and what kind of tool architecture should be for society. He was also had a great influence for many people because of his philosophy of architecture and urban planning through his books and public speeches. He always emphasized public values and ethics of architecture, in his projects such as Muju Public Building Project and Miracle Library Project. He is also critical of the current Korean government's blind policy on urban planning, which ignores the tradition and history of the country and rushes into luring world-famous architects such as Zaha Hadid. His motto was: "Both the problems and solutions are inherent in the land." However, he has been suffering from colorectal cancer for five years. But CHUNG Gu-yon never stops working and talking to people. Proposing an architectural exhibit by Ilmin Museum of Art, he organizes a team and prepares it with his students, in order to show what he achieved in his life. It is not common that a private museum opens a local architect's solo exhibition in Korea. Following the preparation of the exhibit, <Talking Architect> grasps the traces of his life and his architectural philosophy and oeuvre, as well as a keen sensibility of a human-being faced with death.less