DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA, SEOUL’S SINGULAR DESIGN HUB
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SEOUL | I always had this thing for breathtaking buildings in Asia. And Zaha Hadid’s latest creation in Seoul is officially now on the top of my list. Her spectacular Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) was inaugurated just a couple of months before I visited Seoul. But it fits so well its surroundings that it felt like it had been there forever. Located at the very heart of Dongdaemun shopping area, Hadid’s cutting-edge building is surrounded by shopping malls specializing in K-fashion, street food stalls and even the majestic ancient gate to the East part of the once Imperial city.
It’s an oasis of calm that contrasts with the buzzing streets and busy traffic of the area. During the day the grey and green hue of the whole complex create a natural atmosphere, more like a park. At night, the smart lightning transforms the building completely bringing to it a futuristic edge.
Hadid’s building serves as a culture hub. It hosts exhibitions, shows, workshops and other artistic events from all fields. It also houses the Design Lab, an extraordinary art shop carrying design books, creations by Korean designers, a coffee shop, a gardening station and other art and crafts items.
Photos by Iris Mir - Earth to Iris.
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