"Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's 'Design Seoul' Upgrade"... Exploring Development with Global Experts

On the 27th at DDP, Seoul Design International Forum
Red Dot Chairman Holds Dialogue with Zaha Hadid Principal

An international forum exploring the role and development direction to enhance the value of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's 'Design Seoul' was held. The president of one of the world's top three design awards, the architect of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and others gathered to emphasize the role of design for the future of sustainable cities.

On the 27th, Seoul City held the '2024 Seoul Design International Forum (SDIF)' at DDP Art Hall 2. Now in its 5th year, this forum serves as a platform for systematic promotion of the 'Design Seoul 2.0 Project' announced last year and discussions on the development of Design Seoul.

The forum began with a special talk between Mayor Oh, Peter Zec, president of Red Dot, and Craig Kainer, principal of Zaha Hadid Architects. Under the theme 'The Driving Force Behind Urban Competitiveness, Landmarks,' the discussion focused on Seoul's design vision and the city's design strategies to advance as a global city.

President Peter Zec and Mayor Oh shared the achievements of Seoul as a world design capital and strategies for urban development through design. With Principal Craig Kainer, they exchanged views on the role of the DDP, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, and ways to strengthen urban competitiveness through architecture.

In the afternoon, Peter Zec delivered a keynote speech titled 'Designing the Quality of Urban Life.' He discussed how creatively transforming cities can create successful models that simultaneously enhance urban competitiveness and citizens' quality of life. Following this, presentations on 'Strengthening City-Led Global Design Capabilities' were given by Principal Craig Kainer, design leader Lee Sang-in, and Chris van Duin, partner at OMA.

The second session began with a keynote speech by Birgit Mager, president of the Service Design Network. President Mager introduced cases of how governments worldwide adopt design as a strategic agenda through service design. Subsequently, under the theme 'Design for the Future,' presentations were given by Jeffrey Go, professor at Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Kim So-hyun Kaya, senior advisor at LG Electronics Design Management Center.

Mayor Oh stated, "Through the further upgraded 'Design Seoul 2.0 Project,' we will do our best to elevate Seoul to the next level, awakening and inspiring citizens' daily lives with design that makes Seoul an attractive city where everyone wants to live and visit."