Golden Print [EN]: Chapter 196

Ethan Clark, a name whispered with respect in the halls of the AA School, was more than just an invited architect at this conference. He was a pillar of the place, even in retirement. Though no longer teaching daily, every student knew the name Ethan Clark. He had arrived early, a familiar face returning to the school. He wanted to greet younger teachers, catch up with students, and make sure this important conference, the first at AA School in years, was perfect. After a busy morning checking everything, Ethan finally sat down in the quiet conference hall, ready to relax before the day began.

The young Asian man from Hyde Park? Ethan had completely pushed him from his mind, like a bothersome fly. ‘This conference,’ he thought, settling into his seat, ‘will truly show the world what AA School is capable of.’ If, just for a second this morning, he had remembered their meeting in the park, a question might have flickered in his mind: ‘Could there be a young Asian architect presenting today?’

But Ethan had decided the young man’s words were foolish ramblings. He had dismissed them entirely, not even considering they might hold a grain of truth. So, when Ethan’s eyes suddenly locked onto *him*, across the conference hall… shock hit him like a physical blow. He couldn’t hide his surprise, his face frozen in disbelief. What was happening was impossible, according to everything Ethan knew.

Ethan was so stunned, he didn’t even realize his mouth was hanging open. Then, he heard a voice, smooth and calm, from beside him. “Well, Ethan,” the young Asian man said, a slight smile playing on his lips, “fancy seeing you here again.”

Ethan just stared, speechless.

“You were so keen to see me at EAC yesterday,” Woo-jin continued, his voice light, “and look, here we are, practically neighbours.”

Ethan still couldn’t speak. His eyes darted down, as if pulled by a string, to the small card on the seat next to him. He read the name printed there:

[Woo Jin Seo / WJ Studio / South Korea]

A choked sound, like air being forced out, escaped Ethan’s throat. “Khmm…”

Ethan felt a wave of heat rise in his face. He couldn’t remember ever feeling so foolish. Woo-jin’s polite question broke the silence. “You’re in a reserved seat,” he observed, “so I guess you’re presenting a project today?”

Ethan finally managed to force words out, his voice tight and clipped. “Did you not see it yesterday? The pavilion in Hyde Park.”

“Ah…” Woo-jin said softly, understanding dawning in his eyes.

“I am presenting it at the conference today,” Ethan continued, his voice still sharp. “It’s from my studio.”

Ethan’s tone was cold, and Woo-jin fell silent. He hadn’t for a moment considered that the Hyde Park pavilion could be Ethan Clark’s work.

‘Ah,’ Woo-jin thought, the pieces clicking into place. ‘So, *that’s* why.’ Now, Ethan’s cold, closed-off face from yesterday made sense. Woo-jin remembered pointing out several flaws in the pavilion during their conversation. If it was Ethan’s own design, of course he would have been offended. But Woo-jin wasn’t sorry.

Understanding Ethan’s reaction didn’t excuse his behaviour. Woo-jin hadn’t been blindly critical; their talk had been a fair and reasonable discussion about design. ‘If Ethan was more like Bruno,’ Woo-jin mused, ‘it could have been a really interesting exchange.’

Silence stretched between them. Ethan’s face was flushed, embarrassment still burning. Woo-jin remained calm, his expression unreadable. He saw no reason to force a conversation with Ethan, especially in his still-developing English.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the hall speakers. “[The conference will begin soon. Please take your seats.]”

The announcement hung in the air, then faded. Ten minutes later, the lights dimmed, and the conference began.

The EAC conference was important. It brought together architects from Europe and the world to share their latest projects and ideas. It was a place for designers to learn from each other and improve their work. Being chosen to present at EAC meant your project was seen as truly insightful, something that could inspire the many talented architects gathered there. The presentations set the tone for the conference, shaping the year’s main themes and defining the EAC’s reputation.

That’s why the organizers worked so hard to find the best projects. The quality of the presentations reflected directly on them.

“It’s quite something, isn’t it?” Bruno murmured to Manuel, a Spanish architect he hadn’t seen in years. They sat together on the side, not in the reserved presenter seats.

“It is, Bruno,” Manuel agreed.

“Woo-jin might be the youngest presenter EAC has ever had,” Bruno added, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Bruno, a VIP himself, had presented his Glacial Tower to great acclaim at last year’s conference. Manuel, a respected architect in Spain but new to EAC, leaned closer.

“Bruno, I’m curious,” Manuel said quietly. “Didn’t you say this Woo-jin didn’t even submit a project to EAC?”

“That’s right,” Bruno confirmed, a smile playing on his lips.

“But I thought you had to submit a project for them to review before they chose you to present?” Manuel asked, confused.

“You do,” Bruno said.

“So how…?” Manuel trailed off, looking towards the front where Woo-jin sat. It was surprising enough that such a young Asian architect was invited to EAC. But to be a presenter? Manuel couldn’t understand it.

Bruno chuckled softly, leaning in to whisper to Manuel. “Manuel…”

“Yes, Bruno.”

Bruno asked, “Did you happen to see the stadium project Mateo was working on when you came to the last association meeting?”

Manuel asked, “Mateo’s project… Are you talking about ‘Fierce Waves’?”

Bruno confirmed, “That’s right.”

Manuel nodded.

Manuel said, “Of course, I remember that day very clearly.”

Bruno chuckled.

Manuel asked, “In fact, isn’t Mateo the architect who was chosen as the main presenter at this conference?”

Bruno replied, “That’s right.”

Manuel asked, “But why this project suddenly?”

Bruno smiled and said, “Woojin actually has a significant role in that project.”

Manuel asked, surprised, “Pardon?”

Manuel looked surprised, and Bruno continued, “The design of those swirling, three-dimensional panels couldn’t have been done without Woojin.”

Manuel’s eyes widened. “What!”

Bruno continued calmly, “Thanks to Mateo’s work, one of the important topics at this year’s conference is digital architecture.”

Manuel asked, “Hasn’t digital architecture been important for years?”

Bruno clarified, “More precisely, within digital architecture, it’s about the three-dimensional design techniques that allow the design of those twisting, organic surfaces.”

Manuel responded, “Ah….”

Bruno, looking at the conference hall, continued, “Therefore, the EAC organizers wanted to secure as many related projects as possible.”

Manuel said, “Aha.”

Bruno added, “And they wanted a designer with excellent insight into these design methods.”

Bruno, pushing up his glasses, added, “Mateo, who completed the design thanks to Woojin, naturally recommended Woojin as the right person for the job.”

Manuel’s eyes sparkled as he listened to Bruno’s explanation.

He was envious of Woojin, the Eastern architect, but now his curiosity was even greater.

No matter how much Mateo recommended him, the EAC wouldn’t put forward an unproven architect as a presenter.

Moreover, even Bruno highly praised Woojin, so he was eager to see what insights Woojin would show in today’s presentation.

‘Digital architecture… and three-dimensional design….’

Bruno and Manuel’s conversation ended there.

Manuel had learned what he was most curious about, and the conference presentation was about to begin.

As the conference began, excellent projects were presented, fitting the EAC’s reputation. Manuel listened intently, his eyes sparkling.

After about five presentations, Mateo’s project appeared on the screen.

The designers in the hall, seeing the magnificent bird’s-eye view of the stadium, immediately applauded.

Someone shouted, “Bravo!”

Another said, “Wonderful! This was the main project of the year.”

A third exclaimed, “Mateo is back on top!”

Amid the cheering, Mateo’s presentation began.

Among the seven presenters of the 2011 EAC, Ethan Clark was fourth.

He was bothered by Woojin’s unexpected appearance, but Ethan still completed his presentation successfully.

Ethan was an experienced architect who had carried out and presented many projects, and the AA School felt like home to him.

So, returning to his seat, Ethan felt a little better.

As expected, many designers liked his project, which showed the artistic value of the pavilion.

‘Unlike some superficial assessments.’

However, his improved mood quickly soured again.

It started the moment he began watching Mateo’s project, which was presented next.

Mateo’s project showed a very shocking visual from the start.

‘Is that design even possible to build?’ Ethan wondered.

Ethan had explained the parametric design and digital fabrication techniques used in the design of the Hyde Park Pavilion at length.

He described the complex research and development processes in his studio and how he came up with the design.

But now, Mateo’s “Fierce Waves,” unfolding before Ethan’s eyes, made Ethan’s presentation seem inadequate.

The various non-geometric curved surfaces that he had called realistically impossible were expressed much more complexly and beautifully in Mateo’s design.

‘This is a fraud!’ Ethan thought.

From Ethan’s perspective, who had been building in the field for decades, Mateo’s design seemed like an unrealistic design meant only to impress.

Ethan’s face flushed red again, and he clenched and unclenched his hand, as if anxious.

It wasn’t just that Mateo’s project was superior.

Ethan thought he would be successful if he got average support at this conference.

But if things continued like this, it would be different.

Mateo’s presentation seemed likely to be the main topic of this year’s conference, and if that happened, Ethan’s presentation would inevitably be compared.

In fact, Ethan’s project was more of a slight update to existing design methods than a full use of digital techniques.

Apart from the artistic beauty of the architecture, the level of design was too different.

“Hooo,” Ethan sighed.

Ethan took a deep breath to regain his composure, while Mateo’s presentation was reaching its climax.

“Through this project, I realized that digital tools can be not only a tool but also a starting point for new creativity,” Mateo said.

Everyone was listening to Mateo’s presentation, and Ethan, despite his flushed face, listened intently.

“The algorithms and three-dimensional tools I encountered this time have expanded my understanding and creativity for space to another dimension.”

As Mateo finished his last words, Ethan almost jumped from his seat.

“However, all the methods and processes of this project are not mine alone. I also received a lot of help.”

“……!”

“The specific processes that you are all most curious about right now,” Mateo said.

Mateo reached out his hand towards Woojin, and Woojin slowly rose from his seat.

“I would like to introduce one architect who will share them.”