The Pavilion of Contemplation exhibition was held from May 19 to July 31 at the Hanyang University (HYU) museum. The Hanyang Journal (HJ) had the opportunity to interview Hwang Na-young from the HYU museum, who was in charge of the exhibition.

Q. Please briefly introduce us about the exhibition.

A. After the long pandemic, we wanted to work on a project that could convey the important role of the school campus. We thought that a public project held by the Cultural Foundation of National Museum of Korea would be a perfect match for what we had in mind. Along with Professor Kim Jae-kyung from the HYU School of Architecture, we applied to the foundation’s project to build a wooden pavilion within the campus. Thankfully, we were nominated as the only university museum participating in the project. Since most of Professor Kim’s work is located in Gyeongsang province, we wanted to bring his work to the campus. Students can currently see the pavilion in front of the Hanyang Institute of Technology building.

Q. Is there a specific reason behind the name of the exhibition?

A. During the pandemic, the campus felt very empty and lifeless without students. For the freshman and sophomores, I guess it would have been a disappointment since university was nothing like what they had imagined, not to mention how difficult it must have been to make new friends or keep up with online classes. Going through the pandemic, we realized that a university campus is not simply a space where students learn, but also a space where students interact with each other and make the kind of core memories that one often looks back on fondly later in life.

The project was an opportunity to understand the significant meaning of the campus itself and students’ precious experiences lying within it. In this sense, we decided to name the project “Pavilion of Contemplation.” hoping students would be able to stop by, simply take a step back from the buzz, and rest. Moreover, we chose wood as the main material of the pavilion for its soft and warm attribute, hoping it would become a welcoming space for students. 

Q. Do you have any last words for the HJ readers?

A. The “Pavilion of Contemplation” exhibition was very meaningful in many ways. We were able to expand the boundaries of what defines a university museum’s role. Moreover, we harmonized with students majoring in architecture, dance and music. We hope that the pavilion becomes a beloved space where HYU students can come whenever they want and take a deep breath. Thank you.