Seven Studios to Watch from Seoul’s “Design Launching” Fair

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As a seasoned design enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the DDP Design Launching Fair in Seoul was a truly inspiring event. One designer who particularly caught my attention was Daeyeol Sohn and his Soda Collection. The idea of using thousands of soda bottle caps to create art furniture is not only innovative but also environmentally friendly, which resonates deeply with me, as I’ve always believed that sustainability should be at the heart of every design project.

During mid-October right up until the end, the lively shopping district of Seoul, Dongdaemun, was filled with design events. One notable occasion was the DDP Design Launching, a fair under the umbrella of Seoul Design, which celebrated its sixth year at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).

In the previous year, Yoo Ehwa, a curator for Seoul Design 2023, expressed that Seoul is consistently prepared to welcome future changes. This sentiment rings particularly true for those who venture into Seoul, as this city not only warmly welcomes technology but also skillfully preserves its heritage and traditional architecture within its technologically advanced metropolis.

So far, the fair has solely showcased Korean designs. However, Cha Kang Heui, the current CEO of Seoul Design Foundation, aims to broaden the scope of the fair in the upcoming year, making it more of a festival-like event rather than a typical trade show. Moreover, he announced that they are planning to extend invitations to emerging designers and design firms from across the globe for the next edition.

In keeping with tradition, the 2024 event emphasizes showcasing budding talents and innovative concepts, primarily by nurturing young designers via brand growth assistance, accolades, and cooperative ventures. It also functions as a connection point between designers and industrial manufacturers.

Read on for some of the highlights from the event.

QUARKEY

Quarkey was developed as a solution to the question: “Why do people have to adjust to furniture and room layout?” The initial collection by this brand, known as HAK, features a variety of dining tables, shelves, sofas, vases, and rugs. These pieces were co-created with designer Eunhak Kim, who found inspiration and design elements in the transcendent abstract art of Hilma af Klint.

The modern yet lively HAK SOFA, the adaptable and versatile HAK Sofa Table, the striking rugs that bring abstract art into one’s living space, as well as the HAK VASE series with its intriguing blend of pastels, patterns, and geometric designs – each item serves as a piece in the brand’s vision to help you create your very own artistic realm.

F/ABA

At the fair, minimalist furniture brand F/ABA showcased its latest items through an interactive display called “fiaba oggètto“. This indoor exhibit was reimagined as a captivating environment to emphasize the unique shapes and outlines of their products.

The WISTER collection introduces a table design that seamlessly merges an oval shape with a distinctive cone-like form. This fusion creates a modern, polished, and clean look. Moreover, it boasts stylish, metallic table legs, adding to its contemporary charm.

Additionally showcased within the space are the OVOLO sofa tables. As described by the brand, the defining characteristic of OVOLO is its sculptural feel derived from its solid, circular shape. The legs of this table are composed as three united spheres, while its round tabletop has a central opening – a deliberate design element that facilitates interaction with light and space.

Articlier

As a design enthusiast, I’d like to introduce you to Articlier, a unique studio that strives for harmony between the contrasting elements of chill and comfort. This innovative space seeks to blend these seemingly opposite ideas within our daily artifacts.

An illustration of this concept can be found in the CL4 table lamp. This design, reminiscent of Pilotis-style architecture, features a delicate acrylic panel up above an aluminum base, and the integrated lightbulb within it projects a comforting, warm glow.

FLOSIGN

Kim Eun-young, an accomplished florist and floral designer from South Korea, has launched her innovative brand, FLOSIGN, into the design industry. By merging the aesthetic finesse of floral artistry with modern design principles, FLOSIGN aims to provide distinctive interior decorations and flower-themed accessories that not only exude beauty and grandeur but also prioritize eco-friendly practices.

At the DDP Design Fair, FLOSIGN introduced its latest creation, HWAHWA, which offers a fresh take on grand floral arrangements as semi-permanent “flower murals.” Unlike conventional ones, these artistic floral displays stand out due to their striking color combinations and compositions. However, what truly distinguishes them is the application of A.I. technology in their design process, enabling precise calculation of flower and foliage quantities for each piece. This innovative approach ensures that FLOSIGN’s designs are created without any waste during production – a significant advancement in the traditional art form, while also reducing pressure on nature.

Lab:Crete

Established by designer Hyunjae Lee and artist Hyoungsil Kim, Lab:Crete is a Seoul-based company that transforms ocean waste into innovative construction materials. They gather seashells, sand, plastic bags, and discarded fishing nets from beaches, then break these down into tiny pieces and combine them with Jesmonite and concrete. The resulting material resembles Terrazzo in appearance and texture.

DAEYEOL SOHN

At the DDP Design Launching Fair, I was thrilled to showcase my Soda Collection, a unique series of art furniture crafted from repurposed soda bottle caps. This incredible collaboration with WouldYouLove (WYL), an innovative eco-design collective, transforms waste plastics into stylish pieces for the interior design and furniture industries.

As a gamer, I’d say: “I take pieces straight from a massive mat created by squishing together countless soda bottle containers. After smoothing and shining these blocks, I assemble them into shelves or chairs. Each item shares the same mat of compressed material to ensure a distinct color that’s as recognizable as the brand of the soda bottles it originated from.

Stoxl

In the limelight as a double winner of the Best Design awards at the fair, Stoxl’s designs primarily emphasize a modular concept tailored for contemporary lifestyles. One standout project, Mosscape, highly appreciated by the judging committee, is an eco-friendly and modular planter developed in partnership with 3dmakers. Crafted from biodegradable PLA, this innovative design offers compartments and perforations, making it adaptable for interior decor or functioning as a miniature garden or terrarium-like décor.

In collaboration with the innovative Korean furniture brand, Bastility, Stoxl’s acclaimed project MML (Module Mini Light) is brought to life. The design of this versatile, stackable light fixture is influenced by Bastility’s BS series shelves, showcasing a sleek cuboid structure that can be rotated in any direction.

DDP Design Launching Fair took place in Seoul in October

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2024-11-01 12:57