Transformation of Discourse on Uses of Computer Technology in Korean Landscape Architecture - Focused on Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental & Landscape Architecture of Korea -

Abstract

This work examines discourse on uses of computer technology and its transformation during the last thirty years effecting Korea landscape architecture. First, in the 1990s landscape architects begun to use computers as a new technology for landscape architecture, programming computer software utilities suitable for landscape research, planning, and design. The landscape architects, acting as computer programmers, tried to explore various techniques for landscape analysis and design with a piece of software, and various experts within the field of landscape architecture collaborated with each other. However, landscape architects mainly used computer technology as a tool as a substitute for hands-on cases. Since around the 2000s, the discourse on mapping and diagrammatic techniques as a visualization technique for landscaping processes have begun. Also, realistic representations for perspective drawings using graphic software have been increasingly important. The landscape architects, acting as graphic designers, focused on the specific visualization techniques for landscape planning and design. However, computer technology has been mainly used to produce realistic visuals aids for final presentations instead of creative exploration to generate landforms. Additionally, recent landscape architects have been using landscape performance modeling and parametric modeling for landform and landscape furniture design. The landscape architects as spatial designers are actively using computer modeling as creative form-generating tools during the design process.

Ecological Design Strategies and Theory for Urban Parks in Seoul, 1990s–Present

“…Third, digital modeling, fabrication, and construction technologies were used as active design tools for the various landforms performing ecological functions. Korean landscape architects have often been criticized for their lack of use of digital technology for landscape design [9]. Mud infrastructure requires 3D modeling technology to model the undulating mounds (Figure 8).…”

“…Mud infrastructure requires 3D modeling technology to model the undulating mounds (Figure 8). Specifically, the landforms were carefully tested and then formulated using Rhino modeling, considering seasonal floods and subsequent sedimentation, which could help in creating habitats for the wildlife species in Hangang [9] (p.21), [61], [62] (pp. [23][24].…”

“…[23][24]. Further, Thermal City (Figure 9), based on the simulation of thermal comfort indices, incorporates artistically curved heated seating, using hot water from a power station, which could control the microclimate of the site [9] (p. 21), [61], [62] (pp. 116-117).…”

“…Further, ecological parks are thought to epitomize the professional identity of landscape architecture, incorporating artistic and scientific activities [5][6][7]. As many scholars of Western and Korean landscape architecture have stated, the profession has been developed by opposing but sometimes cooperative groups, such as "environmentalists" oriented towards scientific research and "artists" pursuing creative design approaches [5][6][7][8][9]. In bridging the profound divide between science and art, landscape architects have used various ecological design solutions.…”