The unseen roots beneath the ground can be up to 40 times larger than the visible trees above. This is why they are often referred to as the kingdom of roots. Architecture, as a culture, resembles a large tree that grows from this kingdom of roots. Thus, the vitality of well-established architectural heritage often lasts for thousands of years.
- The Economic Impact of Architectural Culture
Measuring the economic impact of culture is inherently challenging. However, by examining its ripple effects, we can better understand its economic significance. The most visited places by tourists often symbolize the cities they inhabit. Consequently, many cities strive to create landmarks as part of high-quality, high-value marketing strategies.
Successful landmarks elevate a city's prestige and foster civic pride, promoting community unity. When these landmarks attract international tourists, they significantly boost the local economy and enhance the city's competitiveness. Let’s explore the efforts made by other cities to achieve such effects.
- Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
With over 33,000 titanium panels that change colors like the flowing waters of the Nervión River, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a stunning example of architectural culture. After the decline of the steel industry left the area in ruins, the city negotiated to host the Guggenheim Museum under specific conditions: the city would provide support without interference, offer the land for free, cover all construction costs, and entrust the design and operation to the Guggenheim Foundation.
This led to the selection of Frank Gehry, a master of deconstructivism known for his dynamic curves and freeform designs. The construction lasted seven years and cost €135 million, more than ten times the initial budget. This substantial investment was recouped within five years of opening, attracting one million visitors annually. The museum has since become a source of pride for the people of Bilbao, a symbol of Spain, and a global architectural heritage site, coining the term 'Bilbao effect' in economic discussions.
- Metropol Parasol in Seville
The Metropol Parasol, located in Plaza de la Encarnación in Seville, is the largest wooden structure in the world. This site, where cultural heritage from the old capital of Andalusia lies buried beneath, was once a traditional market. The challenge was to create a new multifunctional cultural space that included a plaza, restaurants, performance venues, and an observation deck overlooking the historic city.
Through an international competition, the innovative design by Jürgen Mayer was selected. Despite facing technical issues, budget overruns, and a six-year construction period, it opened in April 2011 and has since become a prominent symbol of Seville, attracting the third-highest number of visitors in the city.
As the sun sets and the vibrant night lights begin to dance, the Metropol Parasol showcases the architectural culture of the city, delighting visitors with its stunning display.
- Noodle Soundscape
Thomas Heatherwick, designer of the Vessel TKA in New York, which cost an estimated $200 million, has created the 'Soundscape' on Noodle Island, an aerial garden above the Han River in central Seoul. This design reflects the existing landscape of the island below and projects the flowing waters of the Han River, creating a fantastical world that allows visitors to experience the changing natural scenery of the seasons and time.
From the elevated garden, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul, with the sounds and scents of life flowing into their hearts like a heavenly garden. As they stroll through the misty, unstructured garden, people from around the world will once again dance and sing along with Korea's cultural sensibilities. The cultural value of this site, which is set to become a new symbol of Seoul, is immeasurable, and we should ask those who come to visit.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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