Well-Known Architect Choi Si Young Wants To Do ‘Space Telling’ By Designing A Farm; South Korean Architect Says ‘Well-Managed Farms Can Become Cultural Spots’

Choi Si Young is best-known for his interior designs in several famous residential and commercial compounds including the Tower Palace located in Dogok-dong, Seoul.

After years of being known as one of the best architects in South Korea, Choi has found his safe haven at his farm in Gwangju, Gyeonggi.

Korea Joongang Daily forecasted on Oct. 19 that the South Korean architect has spent the past three years proving that farms can be transformed into something beautiful when incorporated with architecture.

Choi became fascinated with farming after he attended the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale that was held in Japan's Niigata Prefecture.

According to Biennial Foundation's official website, Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is a contemporary art celebration that is being held every three years in the rural region of Niigata Prefecture. Modern artworks by artists coming from across the pond are being displayed during the festival.

"I learned what an architect or designer needs to do in the future, as if I was destined to know," Choi revealed.

The South Korean architect runs a farm that measures around 1.6 acres where he planted flowers, cabbages, peppers, as well as blueberry bushes.

"I wanted to do "space telling" by designing a farm that looks pretty to your eyes as well, even after all the crops are harvested," he said.

""Space telling"" is telling a story through space, and I believe well-designed spaces house eternal possibilities, and such well-managed farms can become cultural spots in the rural areas or places to hold wedding ceremonies or exhibitions," Choi added.

Amid his fascination with gardening and farming, Choi is set to design a nature-friendly restaurant that will be located in the western Seoul.

The well-known architect is bullish that his passion for farming and gardening would be inherited by his youngest son.

Meanwhile, Choi's "Garden Design" project was displayed during the fifth Gwangju Design Biennale a couple of years ago. Korea.net reported on Sep. 10, 2013 that the project was patronized by families during weekends.

Aside from that, Choi's work allowed children to experience gardening on its "Kids Garden."