Wall of Public Life to Adorn Seoul Biennale 2025 with Works by Leading Architects and Global Artists
A Major Highlight Ahead of the Biennale’s Opening
As the 5th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism prepares to open on September 26, renowned British designer Thomas Heatherwick, the event’s General Director, has unveiled one of this year’s most anticipated works an expansive outdoor installation titled “Wall of Public Life”, to be staged in Songhyeon Green Plaza in the heart of Seoul.
Project Details
- Number of sections: 24 artistic pieces
- Dimensions of each piece: 2.4 × 4.8 meters (7.9 × 15.7 feet)
- Contributors: Architects, designers, and creatives from various disciplines
- Placement: Facing a monumental installation called “Humanise Wall”, which spans 90 meters (295 feet) in length and rises four stories high
The installation aims to reimagine building facades, making them more creative and engaging rather than settling for bland, repetitive designs.
The Vision Behind the Work
Heatherwick explained that the purpose of “Wall of Public Life” is to challenge soulless, monotonous architecture that dominates many cities, and to inspire developers to embrace more human-centered and innovative ideas that can enrich the urban living experience.
Notable Contributor: Francis Kéré
Among the prominent participants is Francis Kéré, recipient of the 2022 Pritzker Prize, who envisioned walls as bridges of connection rather than barriers.
- First wall: Crafted from Korean pine, a material deeply rooted in local history and culture.
- Second wall: Inspired by the traditional building methods of his home village of Tiébélé, reinterpreted with Korean clay.
Kéré’s design conveys a shared human story, emphasizing that true architecture grows from the community and belongs to it.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The article presents the Wall of Public Life as part of the Seoul Biennale 2025, featuring 24 architectural fragments crafted from materials such as Korean pine and local clay, positioned opposite a 90-meter-long installation. The visuals highlight contrasts between textured and smooth surfaces, with natural tones reinforcing a sense of place. While the concept aims to reimagine building facades, questions remain regarding the scalability and sustainability of such an approach in dense urban contexts. Nevertheless, the project stands out as a public platform for dialogue between architecture and community, offering lasting cultural relevance.
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