Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) opened on March 21st, 2014 in the heart of Dongdaemun – the historic center for 24hr run fashion town in Seoul. The opening event was obviously – Seoul Fashion Week ( http://www.seoulfashionweek.org/ ). Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects ( http://www.zaha-hadid.com/ ), DDP is comprised of exhibition spaces for art and design, conference hall, design labs, academy hall, design market, cafe’s and restaurants. By using parametric modelling with an advanced metal-forming and fabrication process which helped to develop a mass-customization system, the building was covered with over 45,000 panels in various sizes and degrees of curvature. The facade incorporates a field of panels with perforations. LED lights behind perforated panels let different colors of light out depending on daylight conditions and seasonal changes. Buildings and landscape feels as if they are blending in, and circulation is very fluid. I’ve visited DDP site in the middle of the construction in 2011 when I was working for Zaha Hadid in Beijing, and visited a few more times after I left the company. It is great to see it finished.

FYI, “Zaha Hadid 360” exhibition is on till May 31st, 2014 at DDP. Ticket is 4,000KRW/person.

Three floors below ground, four floors above ground

Site area : 65,000 sqm   |   Total floor area 86,574 sqm   |   Park area : 30,000 sqm