• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.169-179
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• 2010

Since modernization period thru Japanese colonial era the modern architect began to play a important role for Korean housing architecture. So called 'House as an Art Work', detached houses by prominent architects, belong to a meaningful sector in Korean modern housing architecture. The harmony with tradition was always big issue for such works. This study aims to understand how paradigms for tradition were interpreted with the changes of the time. The analysis showed various tryout by architects, that concretize traditional characteristics in their work. For example, traditional lifestyle were clearly reflected in the floorplan during 30's and 40's. In the 70's building mass and formative roof design were emphasized to present traditional image. As well as it represented primitive esthetic and vernacular decoration. In addition, expressive tendency, that demonstrates korean sentiment through material and its texture, got a preference. Since latter half of 80's some traditional architectural elements were modernized and space characteristics were newly created from acculturation. Furthermore the philosophy of "Subdivision of building wings and Emptiness" follows this trend. This type made a courtyard and connected articulated building masses each other. "Sympathy with Nature" were most essential for a traditional houses in contrast with western architecture. Many architects today make various method to bring nature into interior space and to contemplate nature In the house. Such kinds of adaptation to tradition could be understood as a unique process to manifest identity of Korean modern houses.