The Home of Shadows #4 competition 1st Prize winner - Taekhoon Lee

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st Prize winner of our The Home of Shadows #4 competition – Taekhoon Lee from South Korea!

Taekhoon Lee

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Hello, my name is Taekhoon Lee. I graduated from the Department of Architecture at Korea University and have gained practical experience at One O One Architects and Junglim Architecture. With a broad range of interests, I have worked on various projects of different scales under the name MUM architects. Ultimately, my goal is to create architecture that brings comfort and solace.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

MUM architects is not yet an officially established architectural office, but rather a personal unit created to carry out various projects such as architectural competitions and small-scale works. It mainly focuses on smaller-scale projects, including houses and pavilions. Through MUM architects, I pursue projects of scales and concepts that are difficult to experience in my professional practice, continuously striving to gain new experiences and perspectives.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

I often describe architecture as “the most beautiful thing I will leave behind.” It’s a phrase I find myself repeating, as it reflects the deep affection I have for my work. Ultimately, I hope that this beauty can bring something good to people. The theme I contemplate most is comfort. I don’t believe architecture can change the world, it’s neither a grand nor a noble pursuit. Yet, as an architect, I work with a sense of purpose, hoping that what I create can offer even a small measure of comfort to others. I work with the wish that peace may dwell in everyone’s life.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

The reason I participate in architectural competitions is to challenge and discipline myself. As I mentioned earlier, I have personal goals, but the path to achieving them is still somewhat unclear. That’s why competitions appeal to me—they allow me to keep thinking, creating, and producing without pause. They also offer the added benefit of helping me quickly understand emerging trends.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

I believe that participating in architectural competitions is one of the best ways to discover your potential. Unlike during my student years, working in the professional field often comes with practical limitations that make it difficult to fully explore my own possibilities. By taking part in competitions, one may find new opportunities or even uncover new potential within themselves.