Top of the World
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a cultural and exhibition centre dedicated to design, technology and art, whose construction has involved the redevelopment of an entire block in the district of the same name in the city of Seoul. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the new site is open to the inhabitants and visitors of Dongdaemun as an area of leisure and relaxation within the densely built-up urban context of the district. Designed in a typically neo-futuristic style, it is characterized by curved, smooth and elongated forms. The centre is composed of a square, a multi-purpose park built near the remains of the fortress walls that surrounded ancient Seoul, various clubs and shopping centres, exhibition spaces of various kinds and pedestrian areas. Aesthetically, it is distinguished by the construction of the façade with concrete covered with a mirrored-effect steel and aluminium surface. View of the "electronic rose" garden Inside, there is a garden consisting of 25,550 artificial "electronic roses and flowers" that are illuminated by LEDs. The DDP was one of the main reasons for Seoul's designation as World Design Capital in 2010. Construction began in 2009 and was officially opened on March 21, 2014. It is physically connected to the Seoul subway station. It won the SEGD Merit Award, 2015.
