Dongdaemun
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a cultural hub located in the centre of Dongdaemun. A historic and cultural district of Seoul. Designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo Architects, the DDP is a series of interconnected futuristic curving forms that created diverse public spaces. Since its opening in 2016, this design has become one of South Korea's most popular architectural landmarks. The site was home to a stadium demolished in 2010 to make way for the new building. Now, a fashion hub and tourist destination with 24h shopping and cafes.
The DDP has been described as a large-scale sculptural object by its designers as the centerpiece of Dongdaemun. It takes inspiration from traditional Korean ceramics and architecture with its fluid form reflecting the fluidity of fashion. It consists of two sections: one dedicated to fashion exhibitions, stores and restaurants; another with more permanent structures such as art galleries and cinemas. The DDP also has a rooftop garden that offers views of Seoul's skyline. During the day, the building silver, and at night, it illuminate with bright colors adding to the futuristic deign.
There four distinct parts with the two section: the DDP Museum, Art Hall, Arts House, and DDP Hotel. The museum houses permanent collections on Korean culture and history from prehistory to modern times through its exhibitions and special programs such as lectures and workshops for children. The art hall includes many galleries featuring contemporary art exhibitions in various genres, including painting, sculpture and photography by emerging local artists from Korea or abroad; it also hosts art talks by collectors or artists invited from overseas once every month. The Arts House provides exhibition space for fashion designers or craftsmen to showcase their work under one roof. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a futuristic building that has become a symbol of Seoul’s cultural renaissance.