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).