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Talks
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SDIF 2024 Main Event <Reflections on Prof. Dr. Peter Zec's Keynote Speech>
Hello! I’m Seo balgeum, a supporter of the 2024 Seoul Design International Forum (SDIF). Have you heard of the Seoul Design International Forum? It’s an annual event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens through thoughtful design policies. These efforts continuously shape both the present and future of Seoul. This year, SDIF 2024 was held at Art Hall 2 of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) under the theme: “Designing the City of the Future.” -
Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Fashion and Future
Since its conception, the competition winning design of DDP, commemorating Seoul as World Design Capital, has challenged norms architecturally and in its delivery. Inspired by movement and computational fluid dynamics, the design of the DDP tested the capabilities of the construction industry in Korea. Since its completion, DDP has formed an indelible place in the life of the city in centre of Seoul breaking records for visitor numbers. How does DDP operate as a component of cultural infrastructure, a catalyst for cultural transformation, is it successful and what about the future… -
Seoul to Promote Nationwide Collaboration with Metropolitan Governments through Design
- Seoul to provide its design development expertise and outputs to metropolitan governments across Korea - Support initiatives include matching design advisory groups, participation in development processes, provision of iF Design Award-winning "Fun Design Chairs," and joint project development - Applications open until Friday, May 16th, 2025 - Initiative aims to promote a governance model for the social co-utilization of Seoul’s design assets
Interview
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[Special Interview] Jeffrey T.K. Valino Koh
1. In countries like Singapore, various tax incentives and policies are provided to support and nurture design-related startups. What type of government support do you think is most effective in fostering the growth of the design industry? I think it’s important to understand that the design industry in Singapore is not necessarily the same as in Korea. In South Korea, design often focuses on creating objects or crafting compelling experiences. In Singapore, however, design is more about process redesign. -
[Special Interview] Chris van Duijn
1. What do you think is the ideal urban space in Seoul and why? What’s interesting about Seoul is its diversity and variety, which makes the city truly unique. One notable feature is its proximity to the mountains. On the slopes of the mountains, you’ll find villages with a unique, fine-grained scale and rich texture where people live, work, and dine. -
Impact of Social Problem Design and Conditions for its Success
In this article, I will first introduce how social problem-solving design has evolved for the last 30 years, and as a result that we should approach social problem-solving design in a way different from the traditional design of a single product. In particular, I will tell how it is important to assess the long-term performance of design, and the need to have a strong link to policy to successfully implement the design.