Invisible Landmark
Session 1 "Invisible Landmark"
Chris van Duijn (Partner of OMA)
Chris van Duijn of OMA critically examines the role of landmark architecture in urban contexts, challenging traditional notions of visual expression to advocate for the concept of the “invisible landmark”. Through recent case studies - including the expansion of the Hongik University Seoul Campus and Simone Veil Bridge in Bordeaux - van Duijn illustrates how landmark projects can enhance a city by prioritizing community engagement, functionality, and flexibility over mere aesthetic statements.
Chris van Duijn Partner of OMA Chris van Duijn is a partner at OMA since 2014 and leads OMA’s work in Asia. He joined the practice in 1996 and has been involved in some of OMA’s most renowned projects such as Universal Studios in Los Angeles, the Prada stores in New York and Los Angeles (2001), Casa da Música in Porto (2005), CCTV Headquarters in Beijing (2012) and Prada Transformer in Seoul (2009). Among his recently completed projects are Simone Veil Bridge in Bordeaux (2024), Hanwha Galleria department store in Seoul (2020), MEETT Toulouse Exhibition and Convention Centre (2020), Axel Springer Campus in Berlin (2020), the extension of Beijing UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (2019) and Genesis Gangnam car dealership in Seoul (2018). Ongoing projects include Hangzhou Prism, the expansion of Hongik University Campus in Seoul, JOMOO Headquarters in Xiamen and CMG Times Center in Shenzhen. |
