Bjarke Ingels Group, better known as BIG, has opened its first dedicated exhibition in South Korea at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture.

Titled MATERIALISM, the exhibition runs through Feb. 28, 2027, across the venue’s second and third basement levels. It examines architecture through 10 material categories: stone, earth, concrete, metal, glass, wood, textiles, plastic, plants and recycled materials.

Approximately 50 models of completed or proposed projects are displayed with photographs and drawings. A further 60 study models document how initial concepts were tested and developed into architectural structures.

The exhibition includes material-based display furniture and chairs that visitors can touch or use. Texts by BIG founder Bjarke Ingels accompany the displays, explaining how the studio approaches the physical and environmental characteristics of each material.

BIG was founded in Copenhagen and has worked on projects including CopenHill, which places a ski slope and public park on the roof of a waste-to-energy plant, and VIA 57 West, a pyramid-shaped residential building in Manhattan.

The exhibition follows the studio’s process from material research and preliminary models to completed buildings. A final video section introduces BIG’s wider design methods and architectural philosophy.

MATERIALISM is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Saturday hours are extended until 9 p.m., and admission is free.

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Maria Kim sayart2022@gmail.com