UQ Architecture Lecture Series with Moon Hoon

Moon Hoon

We are thrilled to have South Korean architect Moon Hoon as our guest speaker at the first UQ Architecture lecture in 2016. Moon's body of work can be described as joyous and playful. One could even go so far as to call him architecture's Peter Pan with his highly fanciful exteriors and whimsical take on every-day design.

In 2009 Moon was selected as one of the '12 Major Architects of Korea'. In 2014 he was invited to the Venice Biennale where he showed many of his imaginative drawings. Some of his drawings are included in the collections of Tchoban Foundation in Berlin, Germany. Most recently, Moon was invited to participate in the Chicago Architecture Biennial.

Rock it Suda by Moon Hoon, Ganwon-do, South Korea. Photo by Kim Yong Kwan. Image courtesy of Moon Hoon

Tell us a little about your background, and what originally led you to architecture?

I have been doodling and drawing all my life. My parents tell me that I started drawing when I was four years old. But funnily, I have not become an artist - I am an architect. I drew a lot of machines, cars, spaceships, and also a lot of buildings and all these exercises must have led me to architecture without a conscious goal.

Can you give us a little insight into what a normal work day looks like for you?

Firstly, I would have a short meeting with my staff and then spend some time designing/collaborating with or without my staff. By then, it would be lunch time. I will often walk a long distance for a new lunch experience. After lunch I either meet clients on demand or visit construction sites, near or far.

The day would end for me, after construction supervision. I usually do not work at night. I do go out for a beer or return home early... it is very ordinary!

What are some daily office rituals or habits you employ to enhance your productivity and creativity?

I try to become as tolerant as possible to new ideas (even seemingly silly) to roam freely in my head. I allow any kind of new relationship between very disparate elements. I just let all things exist in my head and I am a easily inspired by the most banal of things... a teenager at heart.

What has been a career highlight for you so far?

Well I have been fortunate to have been recognised as an architect-artist from early on in my career. Somewhat unorthodox designs, such as 'Rock it Suda', have defined me as a whimsical architect. Recently, I have been invited to take part in lectures and biennales from Europe and US.

Which Australian or international architecture people, practices, designers or similar do you admire?

I have a lot of respect for contemporary architects. I am aware of many excellent Australian architects, who are contributing new and fresh air into the international field of architecture.

What are your top five favourite design books?

I am not an avid reader of books. I am fond of design books that have many collections of different designs... like buffet restaurant experience!

What can attendees to the UQ Architecture Lecture Series expect to hear and see?

I will try to deliver my architecture in a down-to-earth manner with many episodes and stories. I will also show many of my drawings in relation to architecture and my world view. It will be called 'Architecture of Delight'.

UQ Architecture Lecture Series

Every Tuesday from 1 Mar until 26 Apr (excl. 29 Mar)

6pm for 6.30pm start

SLQ Auditorium 1, level 2 | Free

Book Here