Archinect
Shuang Yan

Shuang Yan

Berkeley, CA, US

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Re-Assembling the Archive

The "Re-Assembling the Archive" installation at the 2019 Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism offers a groundbreaking perspective on archives. This project examines the changing role of archives from traditional, physical repositories to dynamic spaces of public discourse and participation. It highlights the historical role of archives in shaping national identities and their evolving relationship with society in the digital era.

By transforming the archive from a static, isolated entity into a vibrant community hub, the exhibition challenges viewers to rethink how information is collected, stored, and accessed. It underscores the potential of archives to be more inclusive and representative of diverse voices and forms of knowledge.

The installation consists of a modular design, showcasing research and design proposals on architectural typologies. These modules can be rearranged, offering multiple interpretations and emphasizing the collective's role in shaping information discourse. "Re-Assembling the Archive" positions the archive as a critical tool for knowledge production, political action, and forming an inclusive collective consciousness in the Information Age.

Archive of Ecological States

The "Archive of Ecological States" tackles the challenge of visualizing the gradual, often imperceptible impacts of climate change. This installation features a series of greenhouse enclosures, each representing different world biomes. Within these greenhouses, the effects of climate change are simulated and accelerated, effectively collapsing time and making these gradual transformations more tangible and less abstract. This vivid portrayal allows visitors to directly observe the potential future states of our planet's diverse ecosystems.

Department of Defunct Technology

As we increasingly shift towards digital mediums, the "Department of Defunct Technology" addresses the growing dependency on software, hardware, and proprietary systems for accessing information. This public space is dedicated to exploring and interacting with obsolete technologies, highlighting how the evolution of these mediums reflects broader social and cultural shifts. By showcasing earlier forms of technology, the department prompts a critical examination of our relationship with information and the tools we use to access it.

Archive of Lost Structures

In response to the escalating climate crisis and the resultant surge in climate refugees displaced by droughts, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters, the "Archive of Lost Structures" comes into play. Historically, archives have documented land ownership following crises. This installation builds a comprehensive record, both quantitative and qualitative, of land ownership affected by climate change. Its aim is to facilitate future reparations and provide a historical account of the losses incurred, serving as a poignant reminder of the tangible impacts of the climate crisis on communities and landscapes.


 
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Status: Built
Location: Seoul, KR
Additional Credits: Client: Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism
Project Team: Neeraj Bhatia, Cesar Lopez, Bomin Park, Ian Erickson, Douglas Lee, Shuang Yan, Hayfa Al-Gwaiz, Mia Voevodsky, Caleb Bentley
Curators: Beth Hughes and Francisco Sanin

 
Archive of Ecological States
Archive of Ecological States
Department of Defunct Technology
Department of Defunct Technology
Archive of Lost Structures
Archive of Lost Structures