Floral Lattices, Columns and Pavilions

A Study of Korean Architecture

Among many aspects of the traditional architecture, this volume focuses primarily on the floral lattice, column, and the pavilion. The book distinguishes the avatamaska(flower garland) and kiye(techinical artistry) of the floral lattice that is considered as one of major characteristics of the Buddhist temple, remarks on the environment-friendly aspects of column, and examines beauty of exposure which pavilion builders try to achieve by deliberately ignoring the division between the inner and outer spaces. And all these features can be more fully appreciated, the book argues, when one considers them under the idea of Non-duality, the notion of Drifting from Zhuang Zi, and such a long-cherished concept among the Korean people as harmony.

“The Spirit of Korean Cultural Roots” series has been planned as part of the projects to figure out the source and the characteristics of Korean culture in general. The publisher of the series plans to release a total of 100 volumes (50 in Korean and 50 in English) by the year 2009 to precisely deal with various topics related to traditional Korean cultures - including literature, history, music, fine art, craft, furniture, food, costumes, architecture, and plays - under one grand theme. Pursuing openness and professionalism, these volumes finally aim to help readers understand Korean culture more deeply. One of the merits of this series is that it comes closer to the readers through its unique editing with small-size format and with abundant visual materials. One of the characteristics is that the series offer English translations with a view to contribute to the globalization of Korean culture abroad.