Architectural spectacle transforms Seoul
Seoul City has unveiled its biggest architectural landmark yet which aims to be a cultural hub and arts education center.
It was a flashy and stylish open for Seoul fashion week in March, fashionists gather in the Korean capital's new design temple, Dong Da Men design plaza or ddp.
Seoul is known for his long rich history and has tech oriented industries, but it lacks places for creative industries, so there is a new product, there isn't a place for people to come together and exchange ideas, i think ddp will be a cultural hub and it will play that role.
A former baseball stadium was transformed into a design, education and exhibition hub, the aim is to give 24-hour access to Korean arts and culture as well as nurturing young creative talents.
For an individual designer to showcase their collection, it takes a lot of effort and money, but because of the support from the city of Seoul and ddp, it opens you opportunities for designers like me.
The building is a spectacle in itself, architect Zaha’s signature curvaceous structure is unique for Seoul, more akin to a space craft than modern sky scraper, the 85,000 square meter site with 30,000 square meter park was completed at a cost of over $450 million, ddp was commissioned by former Seoul mayor * before the global economic crisis back in 2008, there is pressure on current mayor Park to ensure his money was well spent, especially in election year, once the press tour and fan fare ebbs away, can the ddp really deliver on what it promises?
Seoul has been the capital of J dynasty for 600 years, so there are so many traditional treasure, that is our duty and responsibility how to preserve or revitalize the traditional elements and legacies.
According to property specialists May plus, three weeks after ddp open its doors, 1 million people have visited, increase * is pushing up shop sales and there is hope this can be sustainable, driving property values higher over times as well.