Hwa Rang : showing the characteristics of taekwon-do through design

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can the history and ideologies of International taekwon-do influence the design process and character of a sporting arena?

ABSTRACT: There is a need for a venue solely dedicated to the use of taekwon-do, as it is one of the most popular martial art practised in New Zealand. Most venues where taekwon-do is practiced utilise facilities such as school or public halls, or sometimes small warehouse spaces. However, a number of these space are not dedicated to taekwon-do, meaning equipment must be transported and set up each training session. Some of the larger spaces are set up as fulltime do-jangs, but even then, the spaces usually are only big enough to house a couple of rings. Practitioners around the country would benefit from a larger facility, set up and dedicated to their needs.

This project aimed to create a truly unique arena for taekwon-do practitioners to train and hold events, that stands out from all other arenas in New Zealand. The design creates an inspiring building for the taekwon-do community, by capturing the culture, values, and history of the martial art. A building that represents all that taekwon-do stands for, while its characteristics separate it from all the other building types of its kind.

An analysis of taekwon-do in terms of its in-depth theories and rich history were undertaken to identify which aspects may represent taekwon-do in a physical form. This analysis provided a strategy to represent taekwon-do as an architectural form, allowing the rich meaning to drive design factors. Creating an arena that draws from the learnings of the martial art and may even be an inspiration for its practitioners, by bringing the essence of the art into the physical form of a building. Resulting in something that the users can be truly proud of to call their own, while at the same time may intrigue others who are not familiar with taekwon-do.