Seoul Design
International Forum
서울디자인국제포럼

Panel Discussion

Panel: Thomas Heatherwick(Founder of Heatherwick Studio), Shigeru Ban(CEO of Shigeru Ban Architectural Design Office), Meejin Yoon(Dean of Architecture and Art Design Cornell University, Partner of Howeler + Yoon Architecture), Choi In-gyu(Director-General, Design Policy Bureau, Seoul Metropolitan Government), Choi So-hyun(Head of NAVER Design & Marketing), Song In-hyuk(CEO of Unique Good Company), Lee Dal-woo(CEO of Studio Maeum) Moderator : Yoon Hye-gyung(Research Professor, Yonsei University)

The Innovative City for the Next Generation(the MZ Generation): Advancing Towards Ultra Connectivity and the Real World

This forum is an inspiring time for myself as well. Until now, we carried out discussions under the theme of the types of spaces that can act as the main characters and about relevant humanizing activities. In this session, we will talk about the perspective where we are the protagonists. Do you happen to know this song? ‘I love to play all day. Come join me, all my friends’. Do you know what it is? Yes. It is Pororo. What would have happened if we had children in this space? They would have disappeared as soon as we started because they would have said ‘This is not fun. I’m bored’. When we think back on our childhood, children could play all day long wherever they were as long as they had three things. The three things are playground, toys and friends.

Going Public

`The title of my presentation today is Going Public. This is an expression that is used in the financial industry. It is mentioned when a private company goes public after having attracted funding from the outside. The responsibility of the company grows when it gets listed. Against this backdrop, I would like to apply this to the city and humanizing city. Change in the mindset about the city I think of the change in the mindset about the city as ‘defining’. Going public is also related to creating a city for public interest. We learned a lot about social distancing during the pandemic period. We have returned to our normal lives and we are in the process of adapting to the social interactions once again. We are also actively interacting with the city again. Such interactions are always monitored, modeled and are being relayed. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. In addition to the socio-economic challenges that are deeply rooted, climate change that could not be seen in the past is having a massive impact on the city. In particular, climate disaster is observed more frequently. Examples being record level heat waves and the rise in sea level and so forth.

Design 2.0 Design Policy and Future Strategies

I am honored to be speaking with Thomas Heatherwick and Shigeru Ban and I think the interesting designs of Lee Dal-woo was a good stimulus. I will. I will now think again about the actions to be taken by a big city like Seoul Metropolitan Government. My presentation will be about the fun city with vitality, Seoul. I will be presenting in the order of 5 Vision Principles that were carried out.

From Ideas to Implementation, Transforming Limits into Opportunities in Design

There is a slogan pursued by the design studio, Maum Studio. The slogan is Love, Play and Heart. We emphasize this slogan because Maum Studio believes that ‘ideas are equivalent to stories’. Today, I would like to take the time for us to all resonate about how story-based anecdotes implemented in Maum Studio started small and grew to become bigger. Against this backdrop, I would like to introduce the projects of Maum Studio centering on various keywords.

Role of Design: Assist Co-existence of People / Environment / Technology

I am Choi So-hyun, and I am in charge of design and marketing, and space and architecture at Naver. After hearing the presentation of the two previous speakers, Thomas Heatherwick and Shigeru Ban, I could also feel the excitement and tremor as a designer. I would like to talk about the theme of ‘Design that aids in coexistence of people, environment and technology’. I am confident that instead of being fearful of technology we can use technology to resolve the issues that we are facing and design can also play a critical role in a rapidly changing society. I hope you will think about what sort of work you do and the perspective you have as you sit here. You are here as urban planners but you are also probably here as residents of the city. Why don’t we think about how you want to live? I think you may find different answers depending on the individual contexts. Let me continue my talk with these questions in mind. Now, I will introduce you to various spaces of Naver. I hope that these various spaces of Naver will be a clue or a solution when you are looking for your own answers in your respective places.

The Social Role of Architects

I started building residence and residential spaces related to disasters, because I started thinking that, maybe in the past, I was designing for the privileged class. Because there are cases where people with wealth and authority will construct buildings and structures to visualize and show off their wealth and authority that is not tangible to the human eyes. That made me think that I should be constructing structures for the public and that is why I started building architectures in disaster sites. Of course, it is not bad to build architectures for the former. But we do need to think further about this. There are cases where developers and construction companies are pleased about new projects that may emerge when there is a disaster. However, the victims would of the disaster would be suffering a lot. That is why I thought that social role of an architect would like in supporting refugees of disasters.

Humanising our Cities

We are passionate about the environment and the buildings that surround us. I believe we are living in a very interesting era in the history. We actually have choices (rather than not having them). We can achieve very interesting transitions, if we were to make choices. However, such transformation cannot be achieved with the developers or the architects alone. We can only accomplish such changes when we all talk about buildings and the structures together.

Urban, Design, and the Spread of Shared Values

Design is emerging as a crucial element in addressing the various challenges faced by modern cities. While design in the past primarily focused on products or visual aspects, contemporary urban design now deals with the architecture, transportation, environment, social issues, public facilities, and spaces of cities from a holistic perspective. This shift has significantly broadened the scope of design, positioning urban design as a central player in enhancing the functionality of cities and the quality of life for their citizens. As urban design evolves, the approaches to improving urban environments are diversifying. Examples such as Copenhagen's bicycle-friendly urban planning and Singapore's ecological urban development illustrate how urban design plays a vital role in boosting the health, convenience, and sustainability of cities. These cases powerfully demonstrate how urban design can contribute to creating healthy urban living environments. However, many issues still need to be addressed, including the design of urban and public spaces, sustainability, social inclusion, digitalization, and policy aspects.

2023 Seoul Design International Forum - <Mind Garden>, a Seoul-style counseling space where you take care of your heart and take care of it with a counselor

Hello, everyone! I'm Jae-in, and I'm working as an online supporter for the 2023 Seoul Design International Forum. The Seoul Design International Forum, held in Seoul on September 14, 2023, is an event that brings together top speakers from world-class designers, architects, and experts to discuss the present and future of Seoul's design that citizens want, under the vision of "Humanizing Cities." The forum focused on the role of public design as an "urban alchemist" who can promote new experiences in the public realm, generate memories, and even drive the city's competitiveness through collective memory. What is public design here, It is a design method to improve everyday life and enhance citizens' convenience and happiness by designing public places, facilities, and environments. It is applied across various areas, such as urban planning, transportation systems, and public facilities, to improve the development of the city and the quality of life of its citizens. Public design creates social values and effects in various aspects based on user-centered principles. This is often done through civic participation and collaboration and is recognized as part of efforts to make the city a more pleasant and sustainable space. I'm very excited about the Seoul Design International Forum in the future. If you want to know more about the Seoul Design International Forum, please check the link below. www.sdif.org

[2023 Seoul Design International Forum] A Space for Rest in the City, 'Yoonseul : Seoul through the Eyes of Manridong' Visit

Hello! I am Yeonwoong, a 2023 Seoul Design International Forum supporter. Before introducing the space, I would like to explain about Seoul Design and Seoul Design International Forum. Seoul Design Seoul Design is a vision for Seoul that responds to the challenges facing the community due to various global issues, and enhances the competitiveness of the city and allows everyone to live a happy life. Seoul Design International Forum Seoul Metropolitan Government has been discussing the present and future of Seoul design that citizens want through the Seoul Design International Forum. At the 2023 Seoul Design International Forum, we discussed how our city, Seoul, is currently being illuminated under the vision of "Human-centered City" with world-class designers, architects, and experts. Furthermore, I believe that this forum can provide insights into the role of public design as a "city alchemist" that stimulates new experiences, creates memories, and even enhances the competitiveness of the city through collective memories in the public realm. Before becoming a supporter, I thought of public design as simply a public place for an unspecified number of people, but through this activity, I was surprised to find that emotions and experiences that I thought could only be felt in prepared spaces such as exhibitions or museums can also be stimulated and create memories in the middle of the city. I felt like I had a new experience, and it was a positive stimulation. *** For more information about the Seoul Design International Forum and Seoul Design, please visit the Seoul Design International Forum website.**

[2023 Seoul International Design Forum] Visited the 'Yes! Kids Zone' Designed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Experienced Public Design!

Yes! Kids Zone is a space designed to address the growing problems of obesity, depression, and lethargy among adolescents who have limited opportunities for physical activity due to their academic-oriented lifestyle. Yes! Kids Zone is located in Hanti Park and the surrounding school routes, and is located right in front of the Daechi Police Station.

[2023 Seoul Design International Forum] A Visit to Hwamok Senior Welfare Center: A Space That Warms the Heart

Hello! I am Geum Ye-hyun, who was selected as a Seoul Design International Forum supporter. Have you heard of “Seoul Design”? Today, our community is facing various challenges due to various global issues. Seoul Design refers to Seoul's design vision to respond to these challenges, enhance the city's competitiveness, and allow everyone to enjoy a happy life. The main activities to implement the vision are to first develop creative and sustainable design content to solve various problems encountered in everyday life, creating a safe, convenient, and sustainable urban environment. It also increases the number of distinctive design contents in everyday life, providing memorable experiences to citizens to lead them to a charming city, and ultimately leading the city to the global world network. If so, let's find out what kind of discussions the Seoul Design International Forum will be having to drive the charm of the city.

[2023 Seoul Design International Forum] Enjoying nature and the leisure of life in the heart of Seoul, “Open Songhyun Green Plaza Soul Drops Bench”

Hello everyone! I am Choi Jiwon, who has been active as a supporter of the [2023 Seoul Design International Forum (SDIF)]. I am a person who is interested in spaces and lives that give people healing and leisure as innovative ideas in the public realm. I applied for the supporter with a strong will, and I am grateful that I was accepted. From now on, I would like to introduce you to the “Seoul Design” that allows you to take a break from your busy daily life, refresh the world, and enjoy a human-centered city and life, and “public design places” that reflect Seoul Design. What is Seoul Design? Seoul's design vision is to address the challenges facing communities around the world and to enhance the city's competitiveness and create a happy life for everyone. Seoul Design is based on four principles: First, it develops creative and sustainable design solutions to solve various problems encountered in daily life, creating a safe, convenient, and mutually beneficial urban environment. Second, it leads the world by reflecting innovative technologies and the unique characteristics of the city through design. Third, it increases the number of distinctive design contents in everyday life, satisfying the emotions of citizens and providing an impressive experience to attract the city's charm. Fourth, it aims to create a design community in which many people, including experts, industry, and citizens, participate and think together.

[2023 Seoul International Design Forum] Space for Seniors' Health: 100-Year Courtyard

Hello everyone! I was selected as a Seoul Design International Forum supporter, and I recently visited the "100-Year Courtyard" located at the Songpa Senior Comprehensive Welfare Center, one of the many places in Seoul that use design. As you know, outdoor activities have been restricted for a while due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be dangerous as it can have a serious impact on the health of the elderly. In particular, dementia is a serious health issue that is emerging in the elderly population these days, and the risk of dementia is higher if you are less active outdoors. In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has created a space design called "100-Year Courtyard" to help adults grow their physical, emotional, and social health.

2023 Seoul Design International Forum for Urban Design for Humans - Humanising Cities: Humans • Design • Cities

At first glance, I thought the topic of the forum was very ironic. Why this topic? When 'humanizing' is interpreted, it means 'a city from a human/human perspective', and the fact that it reminds us of this proposition, which was taken for granted, can also be interpreted as showing that there have been shortcomings and regrets in becoming a 'human-centered city'. am. In that respect, the 2023 Seoul Design International Forum, held at the multipurpose hall on the 8th floor of the main building of Seoul City Hall on September 14, was meaningful in reaffirming the value standards and basic discourse for urban design. This event, which was held simultaneously online and offline, consisted of lectures by seven speakers over five hours, and talks in which all speakers participated. This year, Thomas Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio, Shigeru Ban, a famous disaster architect, and architect Mijin Yoon, dean of Cornell University and co-representative of Höweler+Yoon Architecture, who has worked on many public design projects, participated. Domestic speakers included Choi So-hyun, head of Naver's design and marketing division, Maum Studio CEO Lee Dal-woo, and Unique Good Company co-CEO Song In-hyuk.

[2023 Seoul International Design Forum] Environmentally Characteristic Space, Maeumpul Seoul Metropolitan Mullae Youth Center

Hello! I am Park Jun-hee, a supporter of the 2023 Seoul Design International Forum. First, let's learn about Seoul Design! What is Seoul Design? Seoul Design is Seoul's vision for design, which responds to the challenges facing communities due to various global issues. It aims to enhance the city's competitiveness and ensure that everyone can live a happy life. Seoul Design develops creative and sustainable design solutions to address various problems faced in everyday life. It creates a safe, convenient, and inclusive urban environment. It is truly amazing that Seoul is leading the world with its design that reflects innovative technologies and the city's unique characteristics. By creating more distinctive design content in everyday life, Seoul Design satisfies the senses of citizens and provides memorable experiences, which in turn enhances the city's appeal. Through events that carry such meaning and content, Seoul Design aims to create a design community where experts, businesses, and citizens can participate and collaborate together.

Asking about the past, present, and future of cities. [2023 Seoul Design International Forum, Humanising Cities:Human•Design•City] Inside the lively scene!

Hello! I am Miyeon Kim, a supporter of the 2023 Seoul Design International Forum. Do you know about Seoul Design (www.sdif.org) and the Seoul Design International Forum? Seoul Design is a vision for Seoul that responds to the challenges facing the community due to various global issues, enhances the competitiveness of the city, and allows everyone to live a happy life. Seoul Design also aims to: - Develop creative and sustainable design solutions to solve the various problems that people face in their daily lives, creating a safe, convenient, and sustainable urban environment. - Lead the world's cities through design that reflects innovative technologies and the city's unique characteristics. - Increase the number of distinctive design contents in everyday life, satisfying the emotions of citizens and providing impressive experiences to drive the city's attractiveness. - Be a design community in which many people, including experts, industry, and citizens, participate and discuss together. Last year, the 2022 Seoul Design International Forum was held under the theme of "How Design Enrichs the Future." This year, it was held under the theme of "Humanising Cities:Human•Design•City" Under the vision of a human-centered city, we looked back on how Seoul was illuminated and shared our opinions to increase the competitiveness of the city. The Seoul Design International Forum, which is held every year based on the Seoul design I introduced earlier! It was held face-to-face for the first time in four years since COVID-19, with expert speakers from all over the world, and we vividly captured the scene!