Chung received $3,000 for travel to Seoul, South Korea, where he conducted research for his master’s thesis at a self-built community called Guryong Village. His thesis explores spatial relationships and concepts of community between the state and the city’s ignored and most vulnerable citizens.
“This is an emotionally charged polemic about the study of community, and the document showcases excellent writing,” said the jury, comprised of three alumni of the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. “This work engages with a global social consciousness related to the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.
“The travel is very justified and supports a rare form of scholarship that would not be possible without the travel and could not be easily replicated.”
Chung agrees, noting the visit altered his prior understanding of the site and allowed him to understand the physical dimensions of Guryong Village and the social dynamics.
“This trip was essential as the village, the ignored, and even South Korea itself is poorly documented and misrepresented to outsiders,” he explains.
“I witnessed the injustice and mistreatment of the less fortunate and elderly through infrastructure and development,” he says. “I experienced the invisible and visible barriers and the many façades that segregate and ostracize the worlds undesired. And I witnessed the community these villagers had and how they continuously help each other live.”
His thesis advisor is Assistant Professor Jerry Hacker.
“I hope to utilize everything I’ve learned to explore what is needed to enhance community and quality of life for all the ignored citizens of Korea,” adds Chung.
The Helena and Jerzy Boraks Graduate Travel Bursary was endowed in 2019. The inaugural recipient was Devon Moar in 2021.
The bursary is awarded annually by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs on the recommendation of the Director of the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism to outstanding graduate students in architecture to support research-related travel distant from Ottawa. Preference will be given to students pursuing research in northern regions of Canada.