[KIST Meditation Pavilion] 

The KIST Meditation Pavilion began with an interpretation of a strategic exploration of materiality. Created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), this project undertook the challenging task of constructing a building using a single material, in order to emphasize the philosophy of scientific and technological innovation. The structure consists of four UPC panels, each 8 cm thick, engraved with the names of 853 of the most influential scientific inventors. Each letter measures 3.65 cm in length, width, and height. The panels were effectively customized and designed in consideration of UHPC’s ease of fabrication. A critical study in architectural engineering, investigating how the panels could support themselves despite the perforations created by the carved letters—became the key to realizing the intended design approach.