Foster + Partners has debuted their first-ever exhibition in Korea at the Seoul Museum of Art. Marking a significant moment for the studio and its relationship to South Korea, the exhibition “Future Positive” showcases the work of Norman Foster and Foster + Partners to Korean audiences for the first time. On display from April 25th until July 21st, 2024, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the comprehensive showcase of Foster’s architectural journey from 1967 to the present day.
In collaboration with the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), the exhibition delves into Foster + Partners’ work through various lenses, such as sustainability, culture, history, research, and technology. Emphasizing the “human experience” in design, “Future Positive” highlights the studio’s distinct process and integrated approach to architecture and design. In fact, the showcase reflects on projects ranging from the 1960s to contemporary ones.
Responsible design and sustainability have been fundamental to Foster + Partners’ philosophy for over 50 years, manifested through projects addressing energy, community, history, water, trash, and transportation. Notable examples include Apple Park in Cupertino, Bloomberg's European Headquarters in London, and ecological office towers in Frankfurt and London. The exhibition also highlights the practice's dedication to retrofitting pre-existing buildings, showcasing how structures can be revived to fulfill modern needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Established in 1988, the Seoul Museum of Art stands as a political institution in Korea, fostering international artistic dialogues. Aiming to position Seoul as a dynamic hub of artistic innovation, this exhibition is no exception. Foster + Partners, founded by Norman Foster in 1967, is a global leader in architecture, urbanism, and design, working on projects of scale. Overall, this showcase highlights the practice’s dedication to thoughtful design that shapes buildings, spaces, and cities.
Architectural exhibitions offer a dynamic lens into the future of design, showcasing vital projects that reflect the evolving landscape of the built environment. In other similar news, Rotterdam’s Niece Intituut organizing the exhibition “Designing the Netherlands 100 Years of Past & Present Futures.” Similarly, MVRDV recently showcased its new exhibition, “ReviveR,” at the Shenzhen Women & Children’s Center, focused on the different narratives surrounding its hosting building, from the role of play and social interaction to the importance of fun environments for people of all ages. Also in Shenzhen, MAD Architects revealed the exhibition “Ma Yansong: Landscapes in Motion,” a retrospective showcasing MAD Architects’ work, imagining future urban life.
