The 40th anniversary of KAIST’s establishment is nearing its end, but the 40th Celebration Student Committee has more to show to KAIST students. One of them is constructing a new place devoted to cultural activities and relaxation for students. The specifics of the project are not yet confirmed except that it will hopefully be in the form of a Kunsthalle, an unfamiliar term to many in Korea. However, the committee hopes to shape the place so that students can enjoy themselves and be free from academic stresses.

To start, could both of you introduce yourselves?
[Jin] Hi, my name is Su Geul Jin and I am the president of the 40th Celebration Student Committee. I’m a senior majoring in Computer Science.

[Kang] My name is Su Young Kang, currently a senior majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and I’m the vice president of the 40th Celebration Student Committee. I’m in charge of planning the construction of the Kunsthalle in KAIST as a student representative.

What exactly is Kunsthalle?
[Kang] The term “Kunsthalle” is a German word referring to a sub-cultural space built inside cargo containers where exhibitions, performances and nightclubs can be held. Other events like the flea market held regularly in a Kunsthalle in Gwangju are possible as well. In other words, the place is open for those who wish to express themselves, and that is why we are trying to bring that idea to KAIST. It is just a concept and, in fact, we have not decided whether the building we are planning will be a Kunsthalle. There are issues regarding its appearance compared to those of other buildings in KAIST and its safety, which we have to consider before confirming the construction. So it is more like building a cultural facility for students and, for now, the concept of the facility is building a Kunsthalle.

Then what are some things that students can do at the new cultural facility?
[Kang] For now, a solid plan on what types of contents will be provided has not yet been decided since the whole project is at an early stage so we will gather opinions regarding the content. We aim to make a place where students can practice their hobbies, free from academic stress. Clubrooms will move into the facility in order to encourage the exchange of cultural experiences. In addition, we plan on creating a slightly noisy environment thanks to all the performances, exhibits and meetings that will be held there, but at the same time it will be a place for students to study as if they are in a café.

Which organization is in charge of the Kunsthalle project?
[Kang] When a project is organized, normally a task force team is formed since the project is not an existing one. A formal team will be created soon, and the Dean of Student Affairs will be the head of the team. Subordinate branches will include a construction team, a planning team, a facilities team and other necessary teams. During the whole process, two student representatives will participate in the project.

When will it be completed?
[Kang] According to the plan, a blueprint of the building will be completed by the end of this semester. Actual construction will start in the upcoming winter vacation if we act early, or at the start of next year at the latest. Constructions nowadays are completed rapidly, so we roughly expect the construction work to finish six months to a year from now.

Where will be the place for Kunsthalle?
[Kang] There are some problems in choosing where to construct the Kunsthalle. There are some prospective spots that we have in mind, one of them being the undergraduate area located in the northern part of KAIST. However, there is a conflict of interest related to where it will be built, so the task force team will discuss ideas and collect student opinions to best decide. Even though students might think that a place they see seems available for construction, it usually turns out to be someone’s property. That is why it will take some time to go over the conflicting interests and a definite place for the Kunsthalle will be decided later on.

Are there any final comments you would like to add?
[Kang] Well, you could say that the students’ opinions were never directly reflected in constructing a building in KAIST until now. Before this, it was more of a unilateral situation where students would just go inside and do whatever business they have inside the building once it is completed. Since this is the first attempt of its kind at KAIST, students’ opinions will be collected on a large scale and thereby we will be able to come up with a place that actually meets the students’ needs. We, the student representatives, act more like a bridge relaying opinions from both sides (the students and the school), so it would be a great help if students can give some attention to the project and support the process.