An urban major development, Dongdaemun Design Plaza or DDP, opened its doors to the public last March 21, 2014. Located at Dongdaemun district, a historical commercial district comprised of traditional markets and 24-hour shopping centers, this 8 storey metonymic landscape is consist of 5 main areas: Art Hall, Museum Hall, Design Lab, Oullim Square and the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, this neofuturistic architecture is made with over 45,000 pieces of aluminum panels in varying sizes achieved by fully utilizing a 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other digital tools in construction technology.
It gives a different visual effect depending on the external condition. By day, its seamless connection, strong curves and its massiveness makes it look like a solid entity but gives a lighter and romantic feeling as it transforms into an animated urban playground at night with its back-lit facade and a garden of LED roses.
Their careful planning preserved the site’s historical value by revolving the integrated modern architecture around the ancient city walls and historical artefacts – the Dongdaemun History and Cultural Park— which became the central element of the plaza.
Coming out from a chaotic and busy subway station, DDP welcomed me with an astonishing view. I felt that everything was in a slow motion as I walk towards the plaza.
Giving all the love to this beautiful structure
The dynamic forms and fluidity definitely amazed me as if I was transported into a different time. It was indeed an archigasmic experience (if that’s even a word).
Photos taken: November 2014
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