[Keynote Session 1] The Spirit of Success – Designing the Urban Quality of Life
Keynote Session 1 "The Spirit of Success – Designing the Urban Quality of Life" Prof. Dr. Peter Zec (Founder and CEO of Red Dot GmbH & Co. KG) |
[Prof. Dr. Peter Zec]
Urbanization and City Challenges
I'm happy to return to Seoul, a city I've known well since the late 1980s. This familiarity brings me here today to reflect on the DDP and World Design Capital Project outcomes.
Urban populations continue to grow globally - 57% of people now live in cities worldwide, with developed nations showing even higher percentages: Japan at 92%, the US at 83%, Korea at 81%, and Germany at 77%. By 2050, this is expected to reach 68% globally. Cities attract people with their facilities, lifestyle, and entertainment options.
However, cities face significant challenges. Climate change impacts are evident - from recent floods in Spain to Seoul's challenges with the Han River during heavy rains. While politicians may favor electric cars, they likely won't resolve our clean energy and air pollution concerns.
Seoul leads in smart mobility, with what the mayor describes as the world's benchmark metro system. While modern cities increasingly use surveillance, it should focus on safety and urban understanding rather than tracking individuals as seen in Chinese cities.
Design as a Transformational Force
Urban challenges like homelessness have been addressed innovatively in Seoul, where the mayor implemented service design solutions and personally engaged with the homeless population, leading to significant reductions. While Asian cities generally face fewer drug-related issues than their Western counterparts due to stricter policies, urban crime remains a challenge.
The World Design Capital project, which I established while on ICSID's board, aimed to recognize emerging design-focused cities rather than established capitals like Barcelona or Milan. Seoul, under Mayor Oh's leadership, became the second World Design Capital after Torino in 2010. The program's success lies in how design thinking gradually transforms city life, improving architecture, culture, and quality of life. Today, Tijuana and San Diego share the title, with Frankfurt next in line.
Seoul's architectural transformation since 2012 has been remarkable. Despite initial controversy over demolishing sports stadiums and displacing local businesses, projects like the DDP, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Zaha Hadid, have become internationally recognized landmarks.
The DDP has gained international acclaim, earning a spot in The New York Times' 52 places to visit and receiving multiple Red Dot awards, notably for its 2023 lighting installation that continues to attract crowds. Seoul's architectural renaissance extends beyond the DDP, with landmarks like the 555-meter Lotte Tower ranking among Asia's tallest buildings and the innovative Seoullo 7017, which transformed an old highway into a popular elevated garden.
Cultural and Economic Impact of Design
When Mayor Oh received the World Design Capital title, he asked what it would bring to the city. I told him then what I still believe today: design always brings good business. It makes companies and cities more successful. The DDP was intended to be a fashion hub, and due to the city's new creative spirit, we've seen rapid growth in film, music, fashion, and design industries.
Take the movie "Parasite," for example - it's not just entertainment, it's a cultural testimony to Korea's development. It shows Seoul's unique social structure, from the extremely wealthy to ordinary citizens, bridging social classes in a fascinating way that reflects the city's distinctive lifestyle.
Look at companies like LG, Hyundai, and KIA - they've experienced remarkable growth through design innovation. Hyundai even created a brilliant commercial celebrating the Pony Coupe's legacy, reimagining it as if it were made in 1974. This nostalgic campaign resonated globally and earned a Red Dot Design Award. Their success in embracing their past while innovating for the future has been remarkable.
Seoul's design-focused development has attracted amazing international talents. We've seen leading fashion brands like Prada, Chanel, and Fendi establish flagship stores here, confirming Seoul's status as a major fashion hub. The city's openness to creative professionals and investment has made it a key destination for cultural and economic development in the global design industry.
Future Vision for Urban Design
Cities that successfully balance heritage and modernity become trendsetters for high-quality lifestyle and creativity. Look at Paris with its modern glass pyramid in front of the historic Louvre - that's a perfect example of this balance. London shows us how traditional and modern architectural styles can coexist while fostering innovation and attracting creative talent. Singapore has done an amazing job blending ancient buildings with ultra-modern architecture, and they've been smart about maintaining an illuminated skyline at night through careful lighting contracts.
Seoul stands at this same crossroads, with historic sites like the Blue House alongside modern achievements like the Lotte Tower. The city's opportunity lies in uniting this heritage with contemporary design into a cohesive urban experience. By combining architecture, technology, and traditional craftsmanship, Seoul can create its own unique future.
As a mayor once said - "A city is never finished. A city is constantly changing."
Thank you very much.
