THE DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA
Location : 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Architecture : Zaha Hadid Architects
Architecture (local) L: Samoo Architects and Engineers
Back then in 2015 when everyone could still travel comfortably without the fear of getting sick because of this pandemic, I was lucky enough to have explored one of Zaha Hadid’s finished architectural master piece, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza or DDP as the locals would term it.
This modern massive piece of Architectural Complex has been a cultural hub at the center of historic district of Dongdaemun, Seoul. The location was previously a stadium with public park which was very strategic for businesses, cultural events and the best of all the access to public transportation.
Upon exploring Seoul the subway has led me to this very important architectural structure at the center of Seoul. The modern material of metal innovation that glistened upon your ascend from the subway stairs would automatically gravitate you to explore the area. Observing the space not only its architecture fascinated me on how people of all ages and walks of life use the space where in fashion, art, culture, technology, food, education, relaxation seamlessly works in well in this area. As a tourist and a designer, the holistic design of Zaha Hadid Architects is a combination of immersing into the cultural and spatial experience being outside and inside DDP. In this field of design and technology, DDP provided an experience where architecture combined with the highest form of engineering and technology leaves you with a memorable imprint even in its interior details and its spatial programming.
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This would be my personal take exploring the space and on how seamlessly Zaha Hadid Architects planned and programmed the whole complex given the site location being in the center of a commercial business district and keeping its historical and social value. How they use technology and materials to tie this architectural program all together is an inspiration to learn more about it. I would say that this grand piece of architecture deserves to be admired and celebrated as it has successfully provided their program and use of the space with it being enjoyed by the community, tourist and people of all walks of life.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza – Photography by Virgile Simon Bertrand
Seoul is home for almost 10 million people, complementing Koreans as having definitely made a highly sophisticated urban development and planning. This can be seen in the continuously integrated transportation system, making it more accessible and making mobility affordable for everyone. They transformed the urban landscape with modern development, high-rise buildings and still proceeded to removing car centric infrastructure. The location of DDP has been very strategically planned as it is in a prime location in Dongdaemun district of Seoul.
Image from DDP http://www.ddp.or.kr/main
Dongdaemun district has a geographic area of 14.22 km2 and the area is very well known to significant sites the like Cheongnyangni station, University of Seoul and Gyeongdong Market which is one of the largest herbal medicine and agricultural markets in South Korea. This location is at north eastern of Seoul known as the “Great Eastern Gate” which is part of the 25 districts of Seoul. The Dongdaemun gate with a history of more than 600 years clearly is an essential landmark in a place where tradition and modern life meets.
Since 2000, Dongdaemun Design Plaza Project has been discussed widely in media as it encountered a lot of controversy when it started. The site was previously occupied by the Dongdaemun stadium with public park, which was demolished to prepare for the construction of the site. The ground of the DDP was previously a baseball stadium and a multi-functional sport stadium. The city represented by Seoul Metropolitan Government initiated this move as the Dongdaemun Stadium became shabby and deteriorated, and the surrounding downtown area was deteriorating into a slum. Resistance to a lot of change were also due to loosing the 600 year old Pimat- Gol street market, a number of big trees surrounding the site, displacing an electronics complex and basically affecting the landscape of the business within and during the construction time.
The establishment of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), would change and improve the landscape as the center for the design and fashion industry, a history and culture park for citizens and visitors. This has been the flagship or the main project of Design Seoul.
The city of Seoul developed a master plan in 2005 to replace the function of Dongdaemun Stadium into a design plaza. This time preservationists and a some socio-politacal were appalled, especially when archaeological remains and relics from the early Joseon period (1392-1910) were unearthed from the site.
Given the dilemma of having archeological concerns, the stadium being a city landmark and the displacement of market vendors that used to set up on the stadium grounds the city has to consider a lot of pressure to make the new structure. This led to launch a design competition in order to secure a high-quality design for the new landmark of Seoul. The city of Seoul invited chosen international architects and some local firms in February 2007 to participate and introduced guidelines that the architects has to include a design plaza, underground spaces, history, and culture park for the project. Among the seven competitors, were four Korean company , Zaha Hadid, Steven Holl and FOA was invited and joined. Zaha Hadid Architects 'Metonymic Landscape’ won the competition. Metonymy refers to a method of describing a specific object indirectly. The structure has expressed a strong image of design in pedestrian’s view.
The construction begun in 2009 and was finished at November 2013. The total size of the project is 85,320 square-meters and the buildings use 25,008 square-meters. The construction costs of the DDP were 450 million US dollar.
As Zaha Hadid Architects was awarded the job over local architects, it caused a lot more resentment to local and national pride. Controversies didn't stop its construction but changing city administrations has affected the budget, the plans, and even compromising the architect's vision for the space.
Zaha Hadid Architects integrated historical, cultural, urban, social, and economic aspects of Seoul this method in order to create a scene of the landscape. The DDP is composed of undulating surfaces that resemble the flow of liquid and allow flexibility in space.
The state-of-the-art BIM (Building Information Modeling), mega-truss (extra-large roof truss) system, and space frame system are the key features in terms of creating grand-scale spaces. According to Hadid, the fundamental features of her design were "transparency, porousness, and durability."[2] Many ecological features, double-skin facade, solar panels, and recycling water system are included in the building.
The landmark is the centerpiece of South Korea's fashion hub and popular tourist destination. It featured a walkable park on its roofs, large global exhibition spaces, futuristic retail stores and restored parts of the Seoul fortress.
The DDP is easily accessible via Exits 1 and 2 of the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station on subway lines 2, 4, and 5. Walking around the surrounding shopping district, or even the weekend flea market, which is about 10 minutes' walk beyond the landmark Dongdaemun gate, itself a short walk and visible from the DDP, you could make a day of it.
DDP is also a main attraction of the Dongdaemun Fashion Cluster which is the mecca of K-fashion. It is a must-visit area for foreign tourists. Its popularity is on the rise due to the sudden popularity of Korean Wave ( K-Drama and K-Pop Industry). The area also captivates visitors through its renowned tourist attractions like Cheonggyecheon Stream which is a modern public recreation area nearby.
It is seen as the most successful urban development project ever attempted in Seoul as it has not just transformed the deteriorated downtown region into South Korea’s vibrant fashion hub and popular tourist destination
The DDP project definitely tackled that an ancient structure can co-exist with an urban structure, such as the old city water gate that runs through it. DDP has been one of the main reasons for Seoul's designation as World Design Capital in 2010. Construction started in 2009 and it was officially inaugurated on March 21, 2014.
Given the narrative on how Zaha Hadid Architects bagged one of Korea’s most controversial and biggest urban development project at the center of Seoul, it has definitely established that architecture is not just about building on the site but also considering the historical value of the space, vision and political direction of a country or a city. This aspects basically to co-exist with an entire urban development it is aligned into. It even has a big social impact of having a foreign designer step unto the design and build of a Korean landmark. It just proves that planning and executing architecture can be very taxing. This structures can only be made if it has successfully coordinated the intricately tangled conflicts between interested parties involved in the process. And the process of planning has to balance requirement of the different groups or institution involved.
Being a tourist back then, how easily I was able to get to DDP and how the area is connected with different landmarks and places to visit in Seoul the structure deserves to be complemented. Without any complications you can learn your way around DDP coming from public transportation whatever mode you use.
The exterior envelope of the DDP, is a smooth and giant cloud like structure that seems to float above ground. It is a combination of concrete, aluminum, steel, and stone. The interior of the building is finished with plaster reinforced with synthetic fiber, acoustic tiles, acrylic resin, and stainless steel and polished stone in its irregular interior.
The DDP has 3 underground levels and 4 above-ground levels, and the main building is 280 meters long. The building is equipped with diverse public spaces including exhibition hall, conference hall, design museum, the design lab, the academy hall, media center, seminar room, Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, the designer's lounge, and the design market. Diversity of spaces allows the DDP to provide the widest range of events spaces possible to help to bring fresh perspective and cultural vitality in the city. The entire structure was designed and created using parametric methods, and specifically, 3-dimensional building information modeling (BIM). DDP is the first public project in Korea to implement advanced 3-dimensional digital construction services that ensure the highest quality and cost controls,' explain the architects. This, knowing the country's key position in the race for advanced technologies, may not come as a surprise. And DDP claims a spot as one of South Korea's most innovative constructions.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza – Photography by Virgile Simon Bertrand
Dongdaemun DDP has come to address all the controversies leading into the requirements of the space, archeologically, geographically, politically, socially, and providing commerce, culture, arts, at the same time balancing the need of the community, the city, the country and all people who came to visit Seoul.
An example of which is a political issue that begun with displacing street vendors on a adjacent streets and vendors that occupy the lower part of the stadium. So I would conclude that the implementation of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the park wasn’t exactly what everyone in the community wanted but because the proposed building and design is great a lot of people still looks forward into it. Here, we can see that modernism and design would either conflict or work hand in hand together.
DDP has become a a prime location for arts and cultural space at the center of Seoul. It often hosts a wide variety of events such as exhibits, presentations, fashion shows, fairs, even social gatherings like new product releases, and conferences, which will enrich every person life. It has recently been the most popular art venue in Seoul. Previous special events held at the DDP includes the architectural tour of the DDP, the Innisfree Green Lounge, international brand fashion shows like Vogue and Chanel shows and the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market.
Image from DDP http://www.ddp.or.kr/main
Given how social media has been a powerful and widely used platform in our everyday life DDP was even referred to as the most ‘instagrammable’ location in South Korea. The accessible public areas of the DDP were open 24/7. Everyone can walk enjoyed the space, relax and have fun. Inside the exhibit areas, temporary exhibitions are displayed along a permanent collection of traditional Korean design. The public spaces includes Art/Exhibition Halls, Conference Halls, Design Museum/Exhibition Hall/Pathway, Design LAbs, Media Center, Seminar Rooms and Designers Lounge, Design Market that is open 24 hours a day. I personally got to explore some shops and dine at their finest restaurant and cafes that definitely serves more to the high end market. This retail spaces were all for the standards of the DDP structure as each shops interiors were designed well to match their product and services.
The art hall works as a launching platform for the Korean creative and cultural industry and operates as a key space for conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, fashion shows, concerts, and performances. The museum hall consists of five sections and allows many artists to engage in the design industry and exchange their ideas. The design playground, Design Dulle-gil (trail), the design museum, the design exhibition hall, and the design rest area are located inside the museum hall.
The design lab operates as an incubator for budding product designers from the inside and outside of the country. The design market is a multipurpose space for cultural event and shopping, and it opens 24 hours a day to provide a public space for visitors and residents of Dongdaemun Market, the town that never sleeps.
In addition, the DDP has parking areas, dispensaries, a feeding room, a coatroom, a cafe, and other facilities and they are operated and managed by the Seoul Design Foundation of the city of Seoul
We can start looking into this grand architectural journey into DDP by exploring the Dongdaemun Gate from the East side. This gate leads to the Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park where you can walk and get to a view of the entire landscape where Dongdaemun can be seen.
The building exterior screams ‘Zaha Hadid’ with her signature sinuous style of flowing curvilinear structure, that seems to have no start and no end. This massive structure definitely is very modern, futuristic, glossy and even fluid when you observe it through the day and night which blends as you spend your time admiring this structure. From afar, this metallic structure would entice curiosity upon individuals who would see it first time. I can compare it as a grand oversized functional version of Chicago’s ‘Cloud Gate or Bean’ as its is well known of. This should be on the bucket list of design and architecture enthusiast.
Getting into DDP is free for everyone, and for special exhibitions or events, some areas and exhibit halls you have to pay the entrance fee. Since I was a tourist when I explored DDP and coming for the first time would lead you to awe and confusion at the same time, the structure is very grand extraordinary but observing walking through inside is a bit of a mystery, since there was no definitive entrance getting through the space. In short, DDP has multiple entrances throughout which is accessible to the public.
Photo credit www.willflyfrofood.net
As you get through the structure, you wouldn’t know if your are in the main level, the basement or if a corridor will lead you to another area. Like me, I went out from the subway the first time leading to the street level exploring the exterior of the structure.
The second time time from the subway I can walk right in coming through the basement where shops and restaurants are open. The rooftop entrance is also and interesting way to explore the building from top to bottom as you can always walk through a magnificent roof garden. The public space surrounding it was all interconnected and offered a variety of possibilities seldom experienced in public buildings.
Structure-wise, the massive asymmetrical structure appears to have two massing which was designed with very luminous lighting effects during night time. This is a very special feature specially during night events, TV entertainment shoots, and social gatherings. They even embellished the outdoor garden with LED rose garden as soon as the sun sets.
As expected since planning stage of this structure would be an urban hub for creatives, not only for visual artist but also for music, entertainment, food enthusiast, fashion, when you can enter it from different sides and levels. The entire interior has large exhibition hall, conference hall, design museum, the design lab, the academy hall, media center, seminar room, the designers lounge, and a design market. I went to see two special exhibitions back then which was also very refreshing as it is laid out into a very modern way. It is an exploratory exhibit, one was how a ‘Chair’ was used by people in all walks of life. And the other one was a very modern visual installation exhibit of group of artists' take on objects used daily on exaggeration as it serves its function like bubble gum, gears, bicycles, shoe mold etc. Observing the interiors, the modern materials used for glossy tiles for flooring, spacious exhibit halls provided a very dynamic platform for exhibits, might it be traditional nor very modern to house massive art installations. I also loved how the Design Lab area was laid out walked around to see some ongoing design markets that sells uprising market innovations for random functional and cute accessories. Shops also retail funky artworks, apparel, and books. You can see the innovation even with the smallest pen translating into the modern innovations used for the entire structure. It’s also fun to explore how the cutting edge engineering, layout of space and use of material went through this grand architecture.
Initially, there was some concerns that the structure would become a white elephant. since was conceived as a design hub for Seoul, Korea with all its its controversies politically and socially. But up to date the complex has been very successful with rendering its function and hype, the complex came to continuously operate with different areas as staple like a temporary exhibition space, a museum space, a design market, and an underground shopping centre. This doubts about the usage of the space disappeared early on as DDP proved its structures worth.
The extensive temporary exhibition space, has been kept filled with interesting design-centred shows, from fashion houses like Vogue, Channel, Dior and even local events such as Korea’s yearly ‘Fashion Week’. The museum space of DDP has sealed the city of Seoul of making the treasures of the Gansong Museum of Art accessible. The museum and the DDP have worked out an agreement through which continuously rotating exhibits of the museum's treasures -- which include many major national treasures.
Addressing the concerns of preservationist, a museum dedicated to the old Dongdaemun Stadium has been erected in the grounds. The centuries-old, Joseon-era municipal watergate has been seamlessly incorporated in the surrounding landscaping, and, the design was considered generously to leave the above-mentioned archaeological site undisturbed and on display. There maybe several nods to local history like the following details; the light fixtures of the old Dongdaemun baseball stadium whose demolition made way for the current complex; the consecration emphasized a few areas of exposed stone showing what used to be the Seoul city wall dating from the imperial Joseon period. But when you are on the actual site, the structure literally swallows most of its historical relevance.
Overall as a designer and an architecture student, I can say that the DDP structure a success. But as an interior designer a lot may have been added to bring more warmth and functional elements into the space especially the white uneven corridors and walls. Definitely the helix staircase served its design which is also very popular with photographers and social media individuals.
From my perspective and observation of the interior spaces especially the temporary exhibit area, I can see a lack of visual interest and they're a bit of confusing to navigate. If you’re a bit older walking from point A to point B would be very hard to keep up with walking and going around the entire DDP. As the massive spaces connected would require you to walk more steps to different levels and more corridors to go through. Maybe more human functional element like lounge, indoor gardens, activity areas for families, short cut passages and rest area can be incorporated to accommodate these needs.
Since the entire neutral space has those elements of concrete and metal , there were areas that you would see early deterioration if not maintained very well would be a flaw into these seamless structure. The steel facade as expected does not allow light into the interior spaces, making the hallways confined that seem to wrap endlessly in between the exhibition spaces. Much better interior signages and structural direction could have been executed. The directional confusion of the hallways and interior spaces magnifies the confusion of the program structure just as it tries to meet all the requirements set by the DDP project. You’d feel that it definitely wants to fairly provide answers to all areas subject to controversies but realistically it isn’t balanced all throughout the project. So part of the program seems like a mall, some parts wanted to be an ultra modern museum, and some parts like the creative public spaces would be set accordingly to the need or event. I can says that it is more modern and commercially promoted all throughout. You can’t hardly see how much percentage of culture and history immersed into its architecture and interiors.
How DDP as a structure impacts the society and how the society impacts the construction of DDP. As an observer we would want to know how much part was originally Zaha Hadid and its impact and how much has the local Architectural firm Samoo Architects has influenced the final design or layout given the cultural implications sand preservation that is required of the project.
As a designer also coming from East Asian region I felt like some of the geographical and historical context should have been more emphasized to set it at par from other Zaha Hadid projects with a distinct emphasis on being a Korean structure in Korea. The program could have balanced the structure into ‘cultural’ and ‘commercial’ space in the middle of Seoul. I would always feel like the parts where the relevance of the adjacent Dongdaemun gate and historical archeological space and previous stadium was drowned into the very modern futuristic structure. It would be interesting if we see traditional Korean colors, and patterns integrating it in the modern material and structure of DDP. Aesthetically, Koreans were very known to have impeccable, and extensive skills and taste in design and architecture.
DDP as being very unique in the heart of Seoul having that grand scale has its effect on the community and all its visitors. The massive structure of concrete and metal represented Seoul as a highly progressive global city. And as a tourist having explored a lot of dynamic and iconic structures in Seoul like the Namsan Tower, grand palaces, and Lotte World you”ll know that the city is on the drive to build greener public spaces. I personally witnessed this in front of the modern City Hall as just days from springtime elders were planting pansies and spring flowers. The landscape of Seoul as a city definitely has a balance of Greenery and modernism.
The concrete modernist aesthetic of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, however, felt too cold and off-the grid. It ignores the city's shift towards human-centered urban space that promotes greenery, kid and family centered activities in its structure. On a personal perspective, given how flexible the open spaces is laid out, details can still be improved, to provide more warmth and energy in order to fulfill its requirements as being a modern, community friendly, and art/cultural hub of Seoul.
The majority of people seem to like the DDP very much especially for a tourist and younger generation who grew up with technology. But some people would perceive DDP as ugly and ‘alien space ship’ looking and it does not fit in the actual historical site or area. Especially at night as the light would play along the structure making it look like the space ship it is about to take off.
The design is the very specific result of how context, local culture, programmatic. requirements and innovative engineering come together - allowing architecture, city and landscape to combine in both form and spatial experience - creating a whole new civic space for the city.
DDP’s design and construction sets many new standards of innovation. These innovations have enabled the team building the structure to control the construction with much greater precision than conventional process and improve efficiencies. And implementing such construction technologies make DDP one of Korea’s most innovative and technological advanced consecration to date.
https://vimeo.com/dezeen/zaha-hadid-dongdaemun-design-park-plaza
Architects understand how vitally important the process of proper site analysis and site planning is to the overall success of any project. The idea that the form of the landmark can change citizens’ way of thinking seems to represent a very positive and enlightened approach towards a project. To conclude site analysis plays a very big part on this project, These elements include location, neighborhood context, site and zoning, legal elements, natural physical features, man-made features, circulation, utilities, sensory, human and cultural, and climate components. And without balance for all these elements, the entire project will never be successful to execute it purpose.
Community and Architecture are inherently connected. As architects and designers, we create spaces that reflect a community as it is today and the possibilities of the future. How people engage with one another. uplift the space. We live, work and we play. It is knitted into the community and the culture. Buildings form communities, as much as communities produce buildings.
Photo and Video Credits :
Virgile Simon Bertrand Phototgraphy
https://virgilebertrand.com/VIRGILE-SIMON-BERTRAND/1
DDP Seoul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiKMb09AxYk
Dan Cheung
www.withinstrikingdistance.wordpress.com
Reference Notes :
Main Website
Dongdaemun Design Plaza / Zaha Hadid Architects
https://www.archdaily.com/489604/dongdaemun-design-plaza-zaha-hadid-architects
Zaha Hadid ‘Dong Daemun Design Plaza - Information”,
https://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/dongdaemun-design-park-plaza/
Visit Seoul Net. “Where Past and Present Converge” Dec 5, 2019
Samuel Kim Friendly Guide to DDP ( Dongdaemun Design Plaza), Dec 12, 2105
http://theseoulian.com/?p=687&ckattempt=1
Amy Frearson, “Zaha Hadid’s Dong Daemun Design Plaza Opens in Seoul” March 23, 2014, https://www.dezeen.com/2014/03/23/zaha-hadid-dongdaemun-design-plaza-seoul/
Seoul Solution, “Dong Daemun Design Plaza, Policies”
https://seoulsolution.kr/en/content/2972
Create Trip Dong Daemun Design Plaza Summary
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