SDIF 2024 Main Event <Reflections on Prof. Dr. Peter Zec's Keynote Speech>
Have you ever heard of the Seoul Design International Forum?
It is an annual forum hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens through thoughtful design policies. These policies continuously shape the present and future of Seoul.
In 2024, the forum was held at Art Hall 2 of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) under the theme:
“Designing the Future of Sustainable Cities.”
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Seoul Design International Forum! A total of 12 domestic and international speakers delivered presentations and participated in discussions, and I captured the event live!
At 1 PM, the first session began with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, President of the Red Dot Design Award, on the theme:
“The Spirit of Success – Designing the Urban Quality of Life”
According to the speech, nearly 57% of the world's population already lives in cities. In South Korea, the urban population rate is 81%, 83% in the United States, and 77% in Germany, with the global urban population expected to reach 68% by 2050.
Cities are often considered models of success, offering people access to jobs, knowledge, resources, and culture. However, cities face numerous challenges in the 21st century, including climate change, sustainability in urban living, air pollution, and homelessness, which Prof. Dr. Peter Zec explained using examples from Seoul.
Seoul’s Journey Toward a Design-Driven City
Prof. Dr. Zec shared that when Mayor Oh Se-hoon applied for the title of “World Design Capital” in 2010, winning the title marked the beginning of Seoul’s global recognition as a design city.
During the lecture, Prof. Dr. Zec highlighted that when a city adopts design thinking, its citizens gradually adopt a similar mindset. He then talked about the construction of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in 2014.
The site where DDP now stands used to be a stadium 10 years ago. Since many small business owners operated around the stadium, there was significant opposition to its demolition in the early stages, raising many concerns. However, seeing how DDP has developed over the past decade made him feel proud.
Global Recognition for DDP
He mentioned that DDP had been featured in the New York Times Magazine and had also won the Red Dot Design Award, which made me proud as a Seoul citizen.
He also discussed other landmarks such as the renewal of Seoul City Hall 12 years ago and the construction of the Lotte Tower, the tallest building in Asia, emphasizing how architectural excellence boosts a city’s development. He shared how enhancing urban buildings can increase cultural events and enrich people’s lives, which I found very compelling.
Personal Reflection
As a design student living in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, I’m only 20 minutes away from DDP. This proximity has allowed me to experience countless design-related events, doubling the joy in my daily life. His message resonated deeply with me.
<Two Memorable Takeaways from the Speech>
1. Openness to Global Talent
Prof. Dr. Peter Zec shared that he was once asked, “How can Seoul develop further as a global city?”
He showed two photos — one of the German national soccer team that won the World Cup in Brazil and the other of the Korean national soccer team. He explained:
"The German national team only had four native German players, while the rest were immigrants. However, the Korean national team consisted solely of Korean players. Therefore, a country or city must be open to attracting global talent."
He emphasized that having global brands like Chanel and Prada expanding their businesses in Seoul contributes to the city’s development. He stressed that this openness is the key to urban growth.
2. Balancing Tradition and Modernity
He also discussed cities that successfully blend historical heritage and modernity, mentioning how Seoul harmonizes its traditional landmarks like Cheongwadae (Blue House), Gyeongbokgung Palace, and modern structures like the Lotte Tower. His emphasis on balancing tradition and modern design stood out to me.
Insights Gained from the Session
This session allowed us to explore urban challenges, raise citizen awareness about design and architecture, and reflect on DDP’s role while considering how Seoul can develop further as a global city.
The Seoul Design International Forum is open to citizens, students, and professionals passionate about design!
You can attend in person, watch the live YouTube stream, or even watch the replays. As a Seoul citizen, I hope everyone gets the chance to participate!
Listening to 12 distinguished experts from various fields in one place was an invaluable experience.
The Seoul Design International Forum, designed to enhance Seoul’s urban competitiveness and take a step toward becoming a design-driven city, is not only an event I want to attend in 2024 but also in 2025, 2026, and beyond.
I will strongly recommend this forum to my friends, colleagues, and anyone interested in design, architecture, and urban development.
I’ll conclude with Prof.Dr.Peter Zec's memorable quote from his keynote speech:
“A city is never complete. A city is always evolving.”
This has been Seobalgeum, a supporter of the 2024 Seoul Design International Forum. Thank you!
