Rivers have long been recognized as the starting point of civilization, culture, and countless aspects of human life. Through continuous interaction with people, they have become indispensable elements of our environment.
At Raydr Weir, I aimed to create a space that fosters this ongoing relationship with the river. Some visitors may interact by kayaking, others by observing the passage of time through light and movement, and still others by simply watching the flow of water. In all these ways, the design allows for diverse, personal, and evolving forms of interaction with the river — reinforcing its timeless role as both a natural force and a cultural anchor.
This project investigates the historical and spatial relationship between people and the rivers of Wales, focusing on Rhayader Weir. Through site observation and historical research, it examines how the river has been used and experienced over time. Based on this analysis, a Paddle Sports Center is proposed to reactivate the site as a space for both recreation and reflection, reconnecting people with the river.
In the initial Primer Study, I explored how people interact with Rhayader Weir. This led to the concept of the “Horizon View” — a spatial idea inspired by the site’s unique elevation change caused by the weir. This shift creates a powerful visual moment that frames the river as both vast and intimate. The architecture builds on this idea, encouraging deeper sensory and emotional engagement with the river.
This project centers on interaction — between people, space, nature, and architecture. A 360-degree rotating wall embodies this idea by tracking the sun’s path, continuously altering light, shadow, temperature, and views. It dissolves the boundary between inside and outside, creating a dynamic, responsive space that adapts to its environment and invites human engagement. More than a technical feature, the wall serves as a core interactive element, making the architecture alive and participatory.
This project transforms an abandoned building into a residential and communal space for the elderly.
Like my previous work, the core focus of this project is on interaction and relationship. I began by asking a simple but essential question: What do elderly residents need most in a living environment?
The answer, I found, was connection. Studies show that many elderly individuals experience a strong sense of social isolation. In response, this project was designed not only to encourage interaction between neighbors, but also to foster a sense of connection with the broader community.
The architectural proposal introduces spatial strategies that promote casual encounters, visual openness, and shared public areas — creating a place where relationships can naturally form and grow.
Process of Design
As a remodeling project, understanding the original building and its topography was key. Site analysis revealed both challenges and opportunities, guiding context-sensitive interventions. These changes enhanced the building’s community role while ensuring it integrated smoothly with its surroundings.
To foster social interaction, the ground floor was designed as an open, communal space for local residents. Addressing the lack of public areas nearby, it features shared zones that encourage spontaneous encounters. At its core is a central courtyard — a bright, inclusive, and accessible space that improves ventilation and acts as a social hub, connecting elderly residents with the wider community.
Ground Floor
First Floor
Second Floor
Given the project’s focus on elderly residents, I paid close attention to issues of mobility and accessibility. Many elderly individuals may experience limited movement, so the spatial layout needed to support efficient and intuitive circulation.
At the same time, I aimed to preserve a balance between privacy and interaction. While personal space is essential, I also recognized the importance of maintaining social connections, especially within a community setting.
To address this, I introduced semi-open communication zones that allow residents to engage with their neighbors in casual, low-pressure ways. These transitional spaces — between private units and shared areas — encourage a sense of community without compromising comfort or dignity.
This project begins with a critical observation of the growing lack of communication between neighbors in contemporary society.
It poses the question: What could neighborly interaction look like in the future?
The proposal speculates on the emergence of a virtual communication center — a shared spatial platform that transcends physical boundaries, time constraints, and generational differences.
The concept imagines a space that can accommodate diverse needs, allowing people of all ages and schedules to connect, share, and interact in new and meaningful ways — redefining what “neighborhood” could mean in a digitally-integrated future.
This project explores modular construction — widely regarded as one of the most innovative inventions in contemporary architecture.
While modular systems offer efficiency, scalability, and sustainability, they also come with a common drawback: spatial monotony.
In response, I developed a new type of modular system focused on mobility and adaptability. The concept envisions a movable housing unit, where each module can shift freely along a supporting frame.
This system allows for highly flexible spatial configurations: modules can hover, rearrange, or adapt to the user’s changing needs and preferences.
By combining modularity with motion, the project challenges the static nature of conventional housing and proposes a more responsive and personalized form of architecture.
This project explores spatial interaction through reflective surfaces, using mirrors as an architectural tool to intensify the relationship between the visitor and the surrounding environment.
The goal was to encourage deeper engagement within the interior space — allowing users to not only occupy it, but to perceive and respond to it in dynamic ways.
To achieve this, several interactive installations were integrated into the building. These reflective elements continuously alter perceptions of depth, movement, and context, prompting visitors to become more aware of themselves, others, and the space around them.
Through reflection, the architecture itself becomes a medium for constant visual dialogue.
PROJECT 6 : Light and Interaction
This project investigates how light influences architecture and human experience through the use of the three primary elements of light: red, green, and blue (RGB).
By incorporating these RGB sources within an enclosed space, the installation generates a rich interplay of colored shadows that shift and overlap in response to internal structures.
A variety of sculptural forms are placed inside the space, each casting distinct and layered shadows, creating a dynamic visual environment.
Visitors are invited to insert their hands into the space, observing how their gestures alter the color and form of the shadows in real time.
Through this interaction, the project encourages users to reflect on the relationship between body, object, and light, turning observation into participation.
PROJECT 7 : Light and Shadow
This project was driven by a desire to explore how light operates within architectural space.
Many architects dedicate significant portions of their design process to studying light — and for good reason. Light is not merely a visual element, but a fundamental part of how we experience architecture. As sunlight changes throughout the day, so too does the quality of light entering the interior, altering the atmosphere and the way people interact with the space.
Since my architectural focus lies in human–space interaction, I was particularly interested in understanding how light mediates that relationship — how it shapes not only perception, but behavior and emotional engagement.
This project unfolded in three main phases, each aimed at deepening my understanding of how light and architecture influence one another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ur-lXpwzM
House of Musician The Cabinet of the River
Urban Stage
Old & New
PROJECT : Other Works
DRAWING & OTHER RESOURCE
SKILLS
• Programming Tools
- 3D MODELING -
Revit
Rhino
Sketch Up
- Drafting -
AutoCAD
- Rendering -
V-Ray
Twinmotion
D5 Render
- Graphic & Layout -
Adobe Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
- Video & Animation -
After Effects
• Model Making & Fabrication
Laser Cutting
3D Printing
Physical Model Building
Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Information
Name: SeungHyeok Choi
Email: asdgh0982@gmail.com
Phone: +44 7375098014
Nationality: South Korea
Visa status: Oct 2025 -Applying Graduation VISA
• Education
Cardiff University
BA (Hons) Architecture, Expected Graduation: 2025
• Work Experience
Military Service
Republic of Korea Army, January 2019 – September 2020, Sergeant (Honorable Discharge)
Completed mandatory military service with the rank of Sergeant
Developed discipline, leadership, and teamwork through structured training and field operations
Part-time Barista
October 2017 – December 2018
Provided customer service in a fast-paced café environment
Developed communication, multitasking, and time management skills
Band Member
2016 – 2017
Performed regularly as part of a student band, contributing to composition, rehearsal, and live events
Cinema Staff 2017 - 2018
Worked as part of a team in managing ticketing, ushering, and customer service in a high-traffic public space
