Grand Opening of DDP on March 21, 2014
Mar 10, 2014
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park will open Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) to the public on March 21, 2014. This four-story structure with three underground floors was built on a 62,957 square-meter site where the Dongdaemun Baseball Stadium once stood. The acronym DDP also stands for 'Dream', 'Design', and 'Play,' and represents the plaza's function as a multi-purpose design center that aims to foster innovation, creativity and talent.
DDP is the latest masterpiece from Zaha Hadid, a renowned Iraqi-British architect known for her asymmetrical and futuristic designs. The DDP is characterized by free-flowing curves that divide the structure seamlessly, giving it a spaceship-like exterior.
Unlike the typical staircase, the one inside the DDP is made of fluent curves and irregular patterns.
The free-flowing curves continue, without any lines or pillars, to the building's exterior. The construction used an adjustable 3D molding process for the metal cladding panels and concrete framework to ensure design quality.
The light fixtures are also consistent with the overall design, with inspiration derived from Dongdaemun's dynamic qualities.
The Kansong Art Exhibition (The Treasure of Kansong*) has been scheduled to coincide with the grand opening of the DDP. The exhibition, to open March 21, will showcase some of the most prized Korean traditional art works in a modern venue.
*The Treasure of Kansong is a tribute to Jeon Hyeong-pil (1906 – 1962, pen name Kansong), the legendary art collector who devoted his life and fortune to preserve the precious relics of the Joseon Dynasty.
The DDP will be used as a space to hold a variety of conventions, exhibitions and events. People can also use it as a venue to showcase their creative work.
The spacious halls will soon be filled with people for Seoul Fashion Week, one of the most anticipated events in the fashion industry. This major event is also scheduled with the grand opening of the DDP.
Source: KTO- Korean Tourism Organization