Architecture report: letter from South Korea
![Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park perspective view.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WkuBT774yaSyLEyiRVrwAf-415-80.jpg)
Since becoming the center of Asia's fourth strongest economy, Seoul's Government has refreshed the lackluster appearance of the city through supporting private investment and funding projects of metropolitan beautification - anything to escape the monotonous apartment-block aesthetic it was notorious for. As a result, contemporary Seoul is embracing the benefits, hosting competitions that are bringing the biggest names in international design, architecture and municipal planning to transform this ancient city into a magnetic urban metropolis. Being designated World Design Capital 2010 hasn't hurt, either.
Structures such as the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, Seoul National University Museum and moveable installation, the Prada Transformer, designed by Rem Koolhaas, have achieved international recognition. Most recently, Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park, by Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher, have been core projects of WDC Seoul.
The Yongsan IBD Dream Hub
Unveiled at MIPIM 2010, the Yongsan IBD Dream Hub, will be connected to the newest green space ‘Seoul Central Park', while the Han River Renaissance project will be another marker in the design community, featuring the Yongsan International Terminal linking Seoul to ports in China, Hong Kong and Japan. Art Island will house a concert hall, an opera theatre and a multicultural performing space that hopes to rival the Sydney Opera House. Attention is not being denied to Seoul’s historically relevant buildings either with Old Seoul Station currently undergoing a highly anticipated renovation.
Smaller, avant-garde design firms are also rising to prominence in what is still a very conservative society. They offer bolder individuals the chance to create buildings that stand out in the city landscape, like ChaePereira Architects, who cater to enterprising clients that are starting to appreciate a personalized approach to design.
So was 2010 the year that Seoul emerged as a potent force in international design? By embracing current architectural innovation, the city's remodelling job is intended to lure visitors who were previously unaware of its contemporary urban charms.
Silver Shack in Sangsu-dong, by ChaePereira architects.
Steel Lady in the Itaewon-dong neighbourhood by ChaePereira architects.
Steel Lady in the Itaewon-dong neighbourhood by ChaePereira architects.
Steel Lady in the Itaewon-dong neighbourhood by ChaePereira architects
Outside the Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park construction zone
Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park Information Centre billboard outside construction zone
A view of Dongdaemoon gate in the distance from the construction zone
Information Centre overlooking construction site
Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park bird’s eye view.
Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park perspective view. Courtesy of Seoul Design
Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park Information Centre sign
Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park interior view of exhibition.
Night view of the Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park exterior.
Night view of entrance to Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park
Dongdaemoon Design Plaza and Park Relic Area
Dongdaemoon Stadium Memorial building
Aerial view of the Prada Transformer by OMA
Inside the Prada Transformer by OMA
The Prada Transformer by OMA at night
The Prada Transformer by OMA
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Dream Hub Yongsan IBD, masterplan by Daniel Libeskind
Dream Hub Yongsan IBD, masterplan by Daniel Libeskind
Dream Hub Yongsan IBD, masterplan by Daniel Libeskind
Dream Hub Yongsan IBD, masterplan by Daniel Libeskind
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
Phaidon’s new Graphic Classics is a lavish greatest hits of graphic design
Graphic Classics is a compendium of seven centuries of visual culture, from the everyday and ephemeral to visionary works that reshaped our world
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Birley Chocolate hits the sweet ’n’ chic spot in London’s Chelsea
The new Birley Chocolate shop, a sibling to Birley Bakery, is a confection of colour as delicious as its finely crafted goods
By Melina Keays Published
-
Feel at home at Auberge, Château La Coste's new inn for culture lovers
Auberge La Coste sits at the heart of the art-filled estate, minutes away from the joyful town of Aix-en-Provence
By Harriet Thorpe Published