WEBZINE ACC

Recently, architect Yoo Hyun-jun selected and introduced the ACC's building as a noteworthy architectural structure in South Korea. Buildings and the spaces they create can often be overlooked as mere containers for content and people. Therefore, his storytelling turns the focus towards the buildings, reigniting interest and attention in them.

The ACC has chosen design record archiving as a method of preserving the memory of the building. It aims to share the process leading up to the preservation of the archives of the ACC design, and through this text, intends to discuss the significance that archives offer us as actual evidence and reflections of ‘memory.’

Unearthing and selecting objects to pass on to future generations: Collection

Preserving the architectural design documentation of public facilities is important because it provides evidence of the design process and reality of construction. It serves as a foundation for understanding the architect's ideas, architectural interpretations, and design concepts. Moreover, the design documentation of the ACC holds significant meaning as it faithfully reflects the founding principles of the institution, which aimed to create a core hub for the cultural city development, preserve the memory of historical events, and elevate them to new values.

In 2014, discussions began at the center on adding the architectural design documentation to the archive. A process of selecting materials for archiving was undertaken through consultations with architect Kyu-sung Woo. After the selection process, a review was conducted by a committee consisting of experts from the fields of architecture and record management to ensure the validity of the collected materials. Even though the rationale for collection is sufficient, these procedures are necessary due to limited budgets, resources, and preservation space. The process involves selecting the objects that should be preserved permanently, and it serves as the starting point for the archive.

Once the collection of the design records was confirmed through this process, a foundational investigation was conducted to ensure that the context of the records wouldn't be lost. Subsequently, the transportation of the documentation began from Kyu Sung Woo Architects in the United States to South Korea. In September 2015, the donation agreement for the entire design records, including the collaboration with architect Kyu-sung Woo, was signed, marking the conclusion of the collection activities that spanned over a year.

Underlying sketch for conservation and utilization:
Organization and description

Classification without a system

From the point when the records are collected and brought into the institution, a series of tasks for the preservation of the archive begins.

In the archive, “archival arrangement” refers to the process of organizing records according to the principles of “provenance” and “original order.” It involves arranging records, organizing them in preservation boxes, filing them, and attaching labels to establish physical order. “Arrangement” in the context of archives differs from the “classification” used in libraries and museums. While “classification” involves gathering records based on attributes such as subject, time period, type, or purpose, and traversing multiple sources, “arrangement” in archives manages records in a collective and hierarchical manner based on their origins and provenance. The background behind this is to set the context in which records were created as meaningful information, in order to enhance the value of the records and facilitate better understanding.

For example, let's say we have a memo without a discernible date of creation. In such cases, the only method to estimate the timeframe of the memo's creation is by comparing and contrasting it with other records from the same source, examining the context within which it was found. If the arrangement is well-organized, someone may be able to “discover” the timeframe of its creation. This is the reason why the ACC and several archival institutions do not classify records according to a predetermined classification system.

Organization and documentation of design records

Organizing the design records of the center was not inherently difficult in terms of establishing order. Architectural design follows clear procedures and processes, and the types of records produced are relatively consistent and defined at each stage. Kyu Sung Woo Architects also took this into consideration when preserving and storing the records. Therefore, based on the design sequence and types of records, the collection of records was organized using sketches, models, drawings (process drawings/sketches on process drawings/final drawings), photographs (design/construction), and administrative documents, among others.

Next, the process of extracting the content of the records involves documentation or description. This process goes beyond simply listing information from the records; it involves comprehensive tasks aimed at creating search tools that allow users to access the records effectively.

Due to the involvement of the research team that participated in the collection as supervisors of the ACC design project, it was possible to describe what sketches filled with lines and shapes meant. In the final step, the records were converted from physical to digital format, and the results of the organization and digital copies of the records were registered in the archive management system. As a result of the two-year organization process, the “Kyu Sung Woo Architects Design Records of the Asia Culture Center” can now be searched and accessed on the archive website.

Process of halting time and preserving the past: Conservation

Among the design records, the architectural model is large in size, with dimensions of 6 meters in length. The model represents a scale reduction of 1:100, with buildings covering an area of approximately 21,157㎡ on a site of over 82,644㎡. To facilitate transportation, the model was disassembled into modules. Once they were brought into the ACC, the process of reassembly and restoration began.

The model was made using foam board for easy modification as a study model designed for reviewing and researching the design. However, it was very vulnerable in terms of preservation. Moreover, after being used for almost 10 years, there were clear traces of time, such as dust and contamination, remaining on the model.

First, the detached pieces were fixed and missing pieces were added. In addition, the internal support structure was reinforced for preservation and then assembly of the disassembled modules was conducted. The restoration of the model was completed, but this model is not as clean and dazzling as the models we encounter in housing exhibition halls or promotional venues. However, this model recalls the design process that has lasted for more than 10 years. If additional records were generated during specific stages of the design and now exist as completed outcomes that have fulfilled their objectives, this model has served various purposes—such as review, research, verification, and explanation—across the entire span from the initial phases to the conclusion of the design process. This model symbolizes the nearly 10-year construction process it went through.

The archival journey continues

Buildings continue to change even after completion. The Asia Culture Center has also undergone various changes, big and small, over the course of eight years. Internally, it has transformed into different spaces and atmospheres to accommodate exhibitions, education programs, performances, and festivals. Externally, there have also been changes through major and minor facility maintenance and renovations. In 2021, an escalator was added in front of Hanul Madang to make it more accessible to visitors. Furthermore, the restoration of the annex building of the former Jeollnam-do Office is also underway. Once the restoration of the annex building of the former Jeollnam-do Office is complete, the center will undergo significant transformations. Amidst these changes, the design records of the ACC are permanently preserved in the archive, capturing the memories of its completion in 2014. Moreover, records capturing moments of change are also accumulated in the archive, ensuring that they will be remembered and revisited in the future as a tangible representation of the past.

Connecting the past and the future, this is the reason why we continue to maintain the archive.