The 4th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism revolves around the theme of “Land Architecture, Land Urbanism.” This theme underscores the importance of recognizing and restoring our connection to the land, encompassing land paths, waterways, and wind routes. As urban areas rapidly expand, there’s a pressing need to consider multi-level usage and interconnections within urban spaces. These considerations must balance between the density of the city and enhancement of public spaces. The Guest City Exhibition delves into these complex topics, questioning how we can invigorate the vibrancy at the ground level within multifaceted physical and socio-cultural terrains, and whether it’s possible to address urban density and public space in tandem. The city, as we know it, starts at ground level. The ground level shapes our immediate urban experience and serves as the foundational stage for a myriad of activities, from personal interactions to events and commerce. Yet, as urban areas grow denser and more stratified, the very essence of this ground level is challenged by intricate dynamics. The segmentation and detachment of this crucial plane curtail the vibrancy and breadth of public activities within the city. 〈Parallel Grounds〉 emphasizes the quest to expand public spaces amidst increasing urban density. Its exploration operates on the belief that any successful densification strategy must inherently align with the underlying ground conditions. Rather than viewing densification merely as a vertical stacking of functions, the exhibition aims to redefine it as a means to bolster public engagement by reimagining the concept of the ground itself. To achieve this, the exhibition delves into the very essence of the ground, spotlighting city examples that are either broadening or reshaping their foundational terrains. Through both completed and ongoing projects, we aim to delve deeper than just the impressive end results. We’ll explore how various stakeholders aligned their goals and interests, and the methods employed to resolve disputes and ensure coordination. The exhibition will further shed light on the intricacies of urban operations by analyzing the social, political, legal, and administrative contexts cities navigate when they are dealing with issues of effectiveness and public value. With this x-x-x-x-x-objective in mind, the exhibition poses six questions which form the exhibition’s six sub-themes. They encompass inquiries into the definition, nature, and value of the ground; strategies to harmonize density with public realms, private property against the greater public interest; methods for bridging urban voids or even crafting new terrains; and sustaining urban dynamism within multi-tiered urban environments. By looking beyond the allure of iconic landmarks and addressing the monumental challenges of urban development, we hope to understand the societal consensus necessary for refining urban spaces and directing our collective efforts towards the greater good. Curator: Sang Soon Youm, Jinyoung Lim Venue: Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture, Seoul Citizens Hall Assistant Curator: Solhee Yoon Curatorial Assistant: Shinwoo Park, Jaejun Isaac Lee Translation: Heather HyeSang Lee, Sunjin Kim Panel Editing: Hye Min Song Video Subtitling: Pyke Media