Research Degree Title
Bulkuk Temple in Korea - multimedia construction for displayand education
Supervisors
CJ Rose
L Zeegen
Aims of Investigation
- To model an interactive structure on computer of the Bulguksa complex.
- To enhance understanding of structural and functional elements within the building.
- To provide a museum display to explain to visitors the context of displayed items.
- To encourage cross cultural links between UK and Korea.
Abstract/Research Questions
Why Bulguksa?
- Personal experience - ten years old.
- High School photographing the site for the Ministry 1996.
The historical background:
- 528 AD foundation of the Temple.
- 751 development to a large structure.
- 1593 Temple destroyed.
- 1700’s Temple rebuilt.
- 1938 Japan invades Korea.
- 1969 rebuilding programme.
Indicative Questions to be asked:
- What role does the building play in Korean national life today?
- How does the building compare with a Western equivalent as a religious structure, as a focus for tourism, as a centre for worship?
- How can the building be better explored and explained to a Korean audience and to a British audience to enhance cultural understanding?
- is there a tension between the national cultural focus within Korea, and the universality of Buddhism?
- is computer realisation of sacred architecture ever in danger of being seen as irreligious, blasphemous or in bad taste?
Why computer? Why website?
- for greater understanding of the structure in addition to book based experience and the possibilities when visiting the site.
- to make the information accessible on a global basis through the internet.
- to encourage the viewer to choose from a set of interactive possibilities on screen.
My methodology:
- presenting information on screen and devising patterns of understanding.
- testing the information flow (discussion groups and questionnaires).
- comparing the building with a western equivalent (e.g. Norwich Cathedral).