Born and raised in the big city of Seoul, Hyungsoon pursued the study of architecture to combine his interest in art and culture with his talent for mathematics and science. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he gained valuable experience by working for an architectural studio in the city.
‘Above all, I have become aware of my deep-seated interest in people and their interactions with urban environments, as well as their lived experiences within these spaces.’ His main project during those early working years was the transformational design of an industrial site to create a culture park. The enthusiasm for this type of rehabilitation project encouraged him to continue his studies abroad, to expand his horizon. He chose TU Delft for the open and informal atmosphere and the wide variety of subjects and disciplines it offered. ‘My graduation project in London involved the transformation of a derelict and contaminated former factory site into an ecological centre, creating a new public park for the benefit of London's residents.’
No surprise then that he saw a match with his interests when he found the ZJA website while looking at where to apply for a job. He joined the firm in January 2023 and already feels quite at home. In his spare time, he makes bicycle trips through the country and likes to visit Dutch cities. ‘For the architecture, all the historical layers you can discover, but also for the museums. Historical and art museums of course, but I really like the museums of infrastructural technology, such as water management or traffic systems. The Dutch excel in these areas, and I find their expertise in this regard truly impressive.’