Trees & Traces – The (In)visible Pavilion by Plastique Fantastique

A Temporal Bridge Between Past and Present in Seoul

In the heart of Seoul, adjacent to the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, a striking architectural intervention emerges—Trees & Traces – An (In)visible Pavilion by Plastique Fantastique. Designed for the 4th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, this ephemeral structure redefines spatial and temporal boundaries, seamlessly integrating the past and present.

Located in Songhyeon-dong, a site with a dynamic and layered history, the pavilion serves as a reflective and transparent space that invites visitors to engage with the invisible traces of time. The project’s design concept plays on dualities—its mirrored surface reflects the surrounding city, while its transparent interior unveils a hidden narrative of Seoul’s urban evolution.

Unveiling History: A Site of Rediscovery

Plastique Fantastique, led by architects Yena Young and Marco Canevacci, delved into the history of the site to uncover its buried heritage. During an exploratory visit in April 2023, they unearthed artifacts embedded in the soil—tangible fragments of the past now integrated into the installation’s earthen wall. These relics narrate forgotten stories, allowing visitors to experience the layered history of Songhyeon Green Plaza.

A Sensory Experience: Light, Sound, and Space

The pavilion transcends traditional architecture by engaging multiple senses. An immersive soundscape echoes the long-lost pine forest that once stood in this location, believed to have channeled energy towards the royal palace. The interplay of light and reflection, combined with the soft murmur of nature’s past, creates a dreamlike experience that dissolves the barriers between memory and modernity, nature and the urban landscape.

The installation’s futuristic yet archaic presence invites visitors to question their perception of time, history, and the role of architecture in preserving cultural memory. Through its interplay of acoustic memories, visual reflections, and tactile experiences, the pavilion offers a unique dialogue between Seoul’s past and its evolving urban future.

A Reflection on Architecture and Urbanism

As part of the Seoul Biennale, Trees & Traces serves as a thought-provoking exploration of architecture’s ability to reconnect people with forgotten landscapes. The pavilion challenges conventional structures, transforming into a living archive of the site's architectural and ecological history.

By merging contemporary design, historical research, and sensory engagement, Plastique Fantastique has crafted an installation that redefines the essence of architectural storytelling—an ephemeral yet profound experience that lingers in the minds of those who visit.