Gwangju Design Biennale Unveils Master Plan

‘How Does Design Embrace Humanity?’ as the Main Theme
Four Curated Main Exhibitions on Inclusive Design
International Symposium, Subway Project, and Challenge Also Planned
General Director Choi Sushin: “World, Life, Mobility, and Future”

On the 19th, at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Professor Choi Susan from SCAD in the United States, who is serving as the general director of the 2025 Gwangju Design Biennale, unveiled the master plan at the '2025 Gwangju Design Biennale Master Plan Report Meeting.' Provided by Gwangju City

Hosted by Gwangju City and organized by the Gwangju Biennale Foundation, the "2025 Gwangju Design Biennale" is scheduled to take place later this year at the Biennale Exhibition Hall and throughout Gwangju. On the 19th, the master plan was unveiled.

The 11th edition of the Gwangju Design Biennale in 2025 will be held under the theme of "Your World: How Does Design Embrace Humanity?" focusing on "inclusive design." The main exhibition will be accompanied by an international symposium and the Gwangju Subway Design Project, among others. The Gwangju Biennale Foundation will hold a board meeting on the 20th to finalize the opening date.

Choi Sushin, the general director (professor at SCAD, USA), stated at the "2025 Gwangju Design Biennale Master Plan Briefing" held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, "Inclusive design is a design that can be viewed from everyone's perspective. The 2025 Gwangju Design Biennale begins with the question, 'How can design, which permeates our lives like water and air, create an environment where everyone can shine, feel excited, and live wonderfully? Can design have a positive impact on all beings in the world?'"

This edition of the Gwangju Design Biennale will feature four curated exhibitions: ▲Hall 1: Inclusive Design and the World ▲Hall 2: Inclusive Design and Life ▲Hall 3: Inclusive Design and Mobility ▲Hall 4: Inclusive Design and the Future.

"Inclusive Design and the World" will showcase inclusive design and its case studies from major countries, as well as the concerns and projects of students from leading international design schools such as the Royal College of Art (UK) and Monash University (Australia).

"Inclusive Design and Life" will demonstrate and allow visitors to experience, through domestic and international examples, how inclusive design is a powerful tool that enables everyone to lead their lives independently, going beyond simple consideration. Companies such as Hyundai Elevator, Gachigachi, and Nike will participate.

"Inclusive Design and Mobility" will depict a new mobility ecosystem that respects the unique characteristics of every individual, moving beyond the traditional concept of mobility-impaired groups. Visitors can experience transportation systems evolving into flexible systems tailored to individual needs and desires.

"Inclusive Design and the Future" will present various possibilities created by technology and design together through four sessions: robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), nature, and well-being. It suggests that technology can become more universal and equitable, rather than being the exclusive domain of specific groups.

This year's Gwangju Design Biennale will also feature a variety of related programs and projects in the Gwangju area, including the main exhibition, international symposium, Gwangju Subway Design Project, and the 72-Hour Design Challenge.

In particular, the Gwangju Subway Design Project will propose subway stations transformed by inclusive design in collaboration with students studying design in the Gwangju area. The 72-Hour Design Challenge will bring together university students from design departments in Korea and abroad to Gwangju to develop concepts that inclusively transform our environment.

Mayor Kang Gijeong stated, "Gwangju, once isolated in the 1980s, has become a shining city symbolizing the values of democracy and inclusion thanks to peace-loving people and supporters of democracy around the world. The 2025 Gwangju Design Biennale will showcase inclusive design that creates a world where everyone can shine, feel excited, and live wonderfully. It will be a place where we embrace each other's differences and once again come together."

The "2025 Gwangju Design Biennale" will complete the development of its EIP (Event Identity Program, including posters, logos, and visualizations of the event concept) symbol by May, begin advance ticket sales in June, continue exhibition preparations in July and August, and launch its 65-day journey with the opening ceremony in the latter half of the year.