Arriving in Korea instantly impresses anyone in-tune with architecture and design. As you walk through the impressive Inchon airport for the first time and into the subway system, the flow is as natural as routine. However, as you arrive in Seoul your first impressions may not last. Like many over-developed cities, it’s abundant with selfish development. Don’t get me wrong, Seoul definitely has soul in the youth savvy and traditional areas, but these small pockets are few and far between. Whilst spending a week in Seoul, I felt it’s a city in desperate need of an injection of creativity straight to its veins and the timing couldn’t be better.
Designated by the ICSID (International Council of Societies of Industrial Design) as the World Design Capital 2010, Seoul is no doubt a city that’s trying to make a name for itself on the design world stage. But how will it measure up to its assumed title? As is often the case, is this an attempt to simply raise public profile or a true commitment to progress through design? Adopting the cliché slogan “Design for All”, the government is also using the opportunity to develop Seoul for the benefit of its people.
Seoul has some big things planned in all disciplines of design, with over one hundred events happening over the year. Despite the fact that the tile of “World Design Capital 2010” was awarded by the ICSID, there is no emphasis on industrial design. For the event list and specific details, check out the 200 page guide book.
Whilst festivals and events will come and go throughout the year, for me the most significant undertaking will be the Dongdaemun World Design Plaza designed by Zaha Hadid. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the World Design Plaza “will not only become the landmark of the creative industry in the heart of Seoul, but will also become the hub of Asia’s design industry”. Whist it’s easy enough for a city with money to appoint the current fashionable architect to build a landmark, the ultimate design impact will depend on the utilization of this building. Scheduled for completion later this year, the building will foster the design industry by providing public and corporate facilities and act as a place for international exchange.
A point worth noticing is the governments serious agenda in revitalising the city. The new president, Lee Myung-bak was appointed after his success as mayor in recovering a previously built over river in the centre of Seoul. Myung-bak has recognised the need to rejuvenate Seoul and through design he is implementing change. The government has the right intent by trying to cater to its citizens as well as national and international design communities. As the year plays out expect to see some interesting design and developments coming from Korea.
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