Architecture has its own history, coexisting with broader narratives of civilization and cultural evolution. Within architecture, theories are formulated to establish and justify its unique form. While architecture has diverged from engineering, it remains fundamentally rooted in engineering principles. Moreover, architecture is consumed and utilized by diverse groups and layers of society. It serves as both a commodity and an object for documentation, organization, and exhibition. Together, these elements form the discipline of architecture, which in turn animates the ecosystem. Any disappearance within this ecosystem and academic field could render both vulnerable. In light of these considerations, Junglim Foundation has established ‘Off-Architecture Department.’ ‘Off-Architecture’ seeks to expand the horizons, breadth, and innovation of architecture, hoping that the offerings of this department will revitalize neglected realms of architecture and broaden students' career exploration.

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Curating Architecture Course

Curating Architecture Workshop (CAW) is a professional program delving into the curatorial activities of exhibition producers mediated by architecture. Initially presented in a forum format in 2019, CAW has been a staple course in Off-Architecture Department since 2023. The program focuses intently on the 'exhibition,' an outcome of architectural curation, and the magnetic field of power it reveals. It scrutinizes various instances of curatorial activities involving architecture, both within and beyond the museum system.

Architectural Theory Course

In this course, participants engage with core texts of architectural theory along with relevant works in aesthetics and philosophy. The objective is not to nostalgically revisit the classics of Western architectural theory but to shed light on the foundation upon which architectural theory is built, exposing its often presumed universal historical and political backdrop. Reinterpreting theory in the context of contemporary viewpoints, allowing a critical examination of recent stances that appear non-political yet are deeply political, challenging the validity of architectural theory and the non-referential nature of architecture. The course includes lectures from instructors and assigned readings for participants, presupposing fundamental knowledge of architecture and cultural history.

Architectural Media Workshop

Architectural Media Workshop is centered on crafting narratives about architecture, offering conceptual familiarity and practical experience in media production, including writing, reporting, editing, and publishing. Writing serves as a tool for expressing and communicating ideas, while reporting, editing, and publishing are production tasks rooted in the written word. Through hands-on practice, lectures, and feedback, attendees will acquire practical skills in writing, editing, and publishing, gaining insight into the fundamental techniques of content creation. The workshop expects attendees to delve into various media formats, such as books, exhibitions, videos, and social media.

Modern Architectural History Lecture

Architectural colleges widely cover Western, Eastern, and modern architectural histories, yet the specific exploration of Korea’s post-liberation modern architecture is notably scarce. This lecture series aims to bridge this gap, offering a thorough examination of Korea’s modern architectural journey from the 1950s through the 2000s. It dives into critical themes, including the enduring legacies of the Japanese occupation and US military governance, the developmental state’s architectural initiatives, the evolution of hanok, the myths surrounding seminal architects, and the societal shifts reflected in apartment living, along with the rise of postmodernism and a re-evaluation of modernism. This series also highlights the emergence of a globally educated generation of architects. By expanding the discourse beyond celebrated figures and iconic structures, it aims to enrich the narrative of 20th-century Korean modern architecture with nuanced insights and fresh perspectives.

Architectural Computation Course

Automation in architectural design is currently in its nascent phase. Engineers, planners, designers, architects, and various stakeholders are attempting to navigate the complexities of the discipline, often unsure of where to start. Opinions within the architectural community about ‘design’—the focal point of automation—differ significantly. Nonetheless, change is forthcoming and anticipated to augment rather than undermine existing practices. This course seeks to dispel the uncertainties surrounding automation in architectural design, encouraging discussions that allow technology and architecture to build a synergistic partnership.