ddp design fair

This chair, which aims at challenging the stereotype of a wooden chair, is simple at first glance, but the more you look closely, the more you can see that it is imbued with wit and smartness. A standard wooden chair requires additional bracing to provide further support to the seat, the backrest and the legs. Seat and backrest inclination is also necessary for usability and comfort. Instead, Roh&Shin and GROUNDOT tried to think out of the box and came up with a layout that connects the seat, the backrest and the legs all together. You will be able to feel the firmness of this wooden chair, the more you use and sit on it, which is designed with different colors or materials — white oak and walnut — and additional bracing inserted into each part as a key element of the design. Designer Roh&Shin“I decided to participate again because I thought it would be a great opportunity to promote myself and my work and build a good portfolio, especially for a designer working alone. This time, I was paired with GROUNDOT. I have learned many things from GROUNDOT, who has great expertise in the properties of wood, manufacturing and the furniture industry. I think we were able to further enhance the quality of our design because our partner gave honest feedback from the maker's point of view. After mass-producing the chair through the DDP Design Fair, our goal and future plan is to turn it into a cash cow product for Roh&Shin and GROUNDOT.” Maker GROUNDOT“I am participating in the fair for the first time this year to obtain various experiences and broaden the scope of product development through collaboration. After being paired with a designer, I focused on production and commercialization, but in the beginning, I had some difficulties because I was unfamiliar with the method of making a chair with planes and linear structure using white oak and walnut. However, I was able to address this issue after discussing with the designer. As I learned the advantages of collaboration from direct experience, this DDP Design Fair was an opportunity to experience various things, and I hope the event grows over the coming years, resulting in various collaborations and high-quality products.”

Among the many elements that make up the urban area, Ra Yeonsu and Shin Woocheol discovered the new, inherent structural beauty in street lamps that emit light and tried to maximize this by creating the unique, one and only stool in the world. In order for a street lamp to stand firm on the road, it must be securely connected with bolts and nuts, and the joints of the structure are exposed without being neatly refined. The designer thought that this represents the structural beauty of the urban area. That is why they intentionally revealed the traces of welding and hardware that are highly likely to be hidden and made the structure and joints visible with a piece of acrylic plate. The stool consisted of an acrylic plate, a linear support fixture and points of bolts and nuts, the simplest element of design, can be developed in various colors and materials, so you may find it more fun and interesting. Designer Ra Yeonsu“I participated in the DDP Design Fair for the first time since I was intrigued by the new type of platform. In particular, I became fascinated by “collaboration”. After being matched with a maker, we decided the product concept: structural beauty of the urban area. We also tried to find and archive “the things we usually overlook, the elements that make up structures within the urban area”. Especially, I thought that the structure of a street lamp with visible bolts and nuts and exposed weld lines was the most attractive element that could be developed into furniture, so I decided to create a design with the motif of street lamp. The active interaction with the maker enabled me to perform in-depth research on materials that were suitable for the design. The collaboration was also a meaningful experience, which has helped me with the production. Each of us both enjoyed doing our part to get a good result, and it will be remembered as a pleasant collaboration.” Maker Shin Woocheol“It was a great opportunity to experience a new design approach through the collaboration with a designer, so I decided to participate again, and I think this turned out to be a great decision. We created a stool inspired by the structural beauty of the urban area and put more emphasis on selecting the most suitable material for the design direction and communicating about the detailed structure. In addition, rather than only focusing on each other’s role, we actively discussed the overall process of design and production, which has helped the collaboration move along smoothly until we created a satisfying result.”

Jewelry Studio SUJIN, a designer and also a craft artist, and Daesung Machinery, which mainly manufactures parts for ships and automobiles, teamed up to create a product with geometric shapes that focuses more on functionality rather than a design that emphasizes its decorative features. The multi-holder made of aluminum, a material that has great potential to be widely used for household items but also for machinery and construction, combines the functions of a tea light, scented candle and incense holder. Users can feel a contrasting atmosphere between the cold material and the warmth of a tealight. It has an anodized surface resistant to corrosion and scratch, so it can be used as a tealight holder or an incense holder according to the user’s preference and mood. Designer Kim Sujin (Jewelry Studio SUJIN)“The process of finding suitable materials for the design by communicating with Daesung Machinery, which processes various kinds of metal based on its knowledge and expertise of metals, and modifying the design according to the materials was very helpful for me. When I was working alone, I had to work longer hours due to trial and error, but I could save much time through this collaboration thanks to the maker’s expertise. I would like to experience various materials, collaborate with many makers and constantly obtain expertise from others. By participating in the DDP Design Fair, I was able to meet makers in various fields online and in person, and I had some time to think about what kind of results I could produce if I collaborate with them. As a jewelry studio, our goal is to expand into various fields beyond jewelry production.” Maker Daesung Machinery“It was my first time participating in the DDP Design Fair, so working with a designer with a different style was a serious but interesting experience. At first, the multi-holder design we created with Jewelry Studio SUJIN had a screw thread so that it could be easily opened and closed. Aluminum was too soft to make a screw thread, so we thought that mass production would be difficult. After discussing with the designer, we decided to create a design without a screw thread. We were able to address the issue through seamless communication since this was an issue related to our understanding of the material. While developing the product, besides its visual appearance and color, we thought it was more important to produce it in a stable way, so it can be actually used after it is completed.”

Packaged products of “SNOW VAV”, a rice cake brand created with brilliant ideas and a trendy vibe, are great for gifts. Rice flour, the main ingredient of rice cakes, looks like the winter snow, so the brand name was created by combining snow and VAV, an acronym for “Vary Awesome Vegan life”, which means the wonderful change of vegetarianism. The overall concept of the brand was inspired by Demeter, the goddess of the earth in Greek mythology. The storytelling comes from Greek mythology, but SNOW VAV tried to reinterpret the tradition Korean image into a modern design with various elements. With SNOW VAV’s newly developed package structure, eight signature products can be packaged like a whole cake. It has been developed as a small package that allows you to select and pack three different flavors of a piece of cake, and also a basic package with an individual set of square-shaped seolgi (steamed rice cake), leaf-shaped jeolpyeon (pounded rice cake) and glutinous rice cake. SNOW VAV will continue to develop limited product packages and seasonal products that can be only tasted in that season.  Designer theblack“I am participating in the fair for the fourth time because I was sure that if a strategic design is added to the maker’s competitive product, this alone could drive innovation and expansion of a new market. This time, I collaborated with two teams. I worked together with a rice cake brand called “August Hongsi” to brand rice cake as a dessert for everyday life, from brand development to product packaging. We developed the product through collaboration, but what seems more important is how much the product will appeal to actual consumers and whether the two companies will be able to continue further investment and collaboration until it establishes itself as a design brand. theblack has always participated in the project with the desire of growing together with the makers, so I hope this project does not end here.” Maker August Hongsi“The more I work in the field of manufacturing, the more I realize the importance of design. I decided to participate in the DDP Design Fair again to find answers on how to best represent the product to customers. I have always thought that rice cakes will be a dessert that transcends age and a healthy dessert that everyone can enjoy, even millennials and Gen-Zers, but I have always been concerned about the package for rice cakes. I am very pleased to be able to create a package that looks like an artwork with such a brilliant idea through this collaboration. We focused on reinterpreting tradition with a modern sense and also paid attention to striking a balance between essence and identity. It was difficult to share the philosophy and concept in a short period of time, but it was very interesting to see and interpret the product from a different angle from the designer, instead of one person's point of view. I hope our brand’s involvement extends well beyond event and exhibition participation and our brand becomes a popular brand incubated by the DDP Design Fair through practical support for promotion.”

Connect is designed as a modular side table with the motif of Jenga blocks based on a visual concept of things stacked on top of each other. It has several spaces divided inside a square shape. Based on the goal to make a piece of furniture that stands firm at all times, not forgotten or discarded as time goes by, it is designed to be used in any space. It can be used from any angle, and it can be transformed into various shapes by stacking several pieces together. The product, which is characterized by flexible communication between the designer and maker, is transformable according to the user's intention and the characteristics of the space. Designer Oh Songhee (darin)“Since it was my first time participating in the DDP Design Fair, I had some concerns and felt a lot of pressure that I should do better, but I could learn many things by being paired with a maker that understood the direction I was pursuing. I was able to come up with a brilliant idea to make good use of the space structure since the maker provided thoughtful feedback on the structure, something I would have never thought of as a designer. We tried to put more emphasis on the meaning of “spending some time alone” than the design. As happiness grows with precious memories, I wanted to create a piece of furniture that becomes stronger and more desirable over time. Also, as we spend more time relaxing at home during of the COVID-19 pandemic, I tried to make a piece of furniture that always stands by my side and stands firm at all times. A piece of furniture, a side table, which can be used in a variety of ways depending on the user's intention. Since I am still learning a lot of things as a student studying design, I want to take part in many activities based on the things I am experiencing right now.” Maker Lee Dajeong, Lee Sooyeon (mowol)“I was more than excited to create a product from the perspective of a designer I was meeting for the first time through the DDP Design Fair, and this expectation was translated into a valuable sense of achievement after we unveiled our finished product. During the initial stage of collaboration, our initial design sketch had some structural shortcomings, so we talked things through with the designer and made some changes to create a stable structure without harming the design. I am sure that the product that has been created by thinking outside the box will give a new impetus and direction to mowol's designs in the future.” 

It is a hair scrunchie that has mother-of-pearl decoration on silk fabric with soft luster, boasting a precious and priceless glow. It is a hair accessory made with the mother-of-pearl method that involves cutting and pasting in homage to the patterns of traditional cultural heritage. The combination of Korean traditional craft and a modern and trendy fashion item incites the curiosity and amazement of viewers. The traditional mother-of-pearl decoration, which uses thin strips of shells that shine with natural yet elegant luster and carves a pattern, and arrange and attach them into the carved silhouette, is mostly seen in furniture, but in order to overcome existing limitations, it applied the patented “Reflect Shell Mother-of-pearl”, which is specially processed with modern technology to be used on flexible materials such as leather and fabric. As the mother-of pearl fabric has become more applicable to real life and everyday life, it was possible to make a product that transcends age and generations and something you would like for yourself. Designer Hong Insook (silkdonut) “Even though I majored in fashion design and have been working in the fashion industry, I never imagined that I would design fabric products using mother-of-pearl. It was an honor to have the opportunity to design a product by applying valuable materials of Korean crafts to fabric thanks to our maker who possesses an exclusive material. Of course, the production process was not easy. We ran into difficulties because it was almost impossible to compare the unit price of raw materials, and the pattern I requested required a lot of work and time due to the high level of difficulty. Nevertheless, as we spent more time and effort, we could feel great affection toward our product. I also thought that it will be difficult to seize this kind of opportunity. If there is an opportunity, I would like to make various products inspired by traditional Korean motifs, not limited to hair accessories.” Maker Korea Mother-of-pearl “The mother-of-pearl hair scrunchies created through this collaboration are made with softened mother-of-pearl extracted from hard abalone shells to represent the image of clouds and flowers. They were made with the exclusive technology of Korea Mother-of-pearl. Although there were many difficulties while working with thin strips of mother-of-pearl, which had to be flattened and attached on a piece of ultra-soft silk fabric, I was proud of myself when I managed to do it in the end. At first, I had some doubts and asked myself “Will this work?” I tried to focus on the idea of creating a new paradigm, and we were able to do this through a lot of discussions and trial and error with the designer. It was a very enjoyable journey since I was able to create a product that no one has thought of, thanks to the brilliant ideas of our unique designer. These days, various aspects of Korean culture are recognized all around the world, so I hope our elegant and unique product becomes a masterpiece leading a new trend.”

The “Dal-tokki Series”, which reinterpreted an old Korean folktale of “Dal-tokki” — a rabbit in the moon — consist of a side table and an accessory tray. By applying oriental black ink to solid wood, it became a Korean-style product with a luxurious design. The calm black color and the materials that go well with the color, such as acrylic and leather, bring up the image of a rabbit in the moon up in the serene night sky. The designer and maker created home and living products, which could be placed in a corner of a space, in the shape of a rabbit in the moon out of the desire to serve as a refuge from the hectic life of modern people. Designer Cho Sunghwan, Yoon Hyerin (ceneca) “We started out with the desire to design a piece of furniture, which reinterprets an old Korean folktale in a modern way, to reach an audience at home and abroad. Among the many folktales, we thought the old Korean folktale of “Dal-tokki” — a rabbit in the moon the moon — was most interesting, so we incorporated it into this collaboration process to create a side table designed with a low height and an accessory tray that also can be used as an interior object. The table is characterized by modern reinterpretation of the moon and mortar reflected in the water, and a self-developed oriental black ink was applied to the tray to give a sense of unity to the product, with leather straps representing rabbit ears. During the collaboration process, we focused on designing furniture with the aim of mass production and creating a simple and refined design. We respected each other's boundaries while we continued our collaboration. At every meeting, Wood Studio Woom carefully checked things to be noted while turning the design into a real-life product. We were able to complement each other and get the result we wanted through the collaboration.” Maker Lee Bongju (Wood Studio Woom) “I decided to participate in the fair once again this year after participating in 2021 because I wanted to collaborate with artists in more diverse fields. This time, through collaboration with designer ceneca, we produced a mortar-shaped table and a tray that reminds us of a mortar and rabbit ears. It is a product with a simple design and color and appropriate material selection. At the beginning, I focused my efforts on turning the design into reality. Although there were some tricky parts in the production process, we were able to manage them through discussions. Also, it was my first time using oriental black ink for finishing, so I was perplexed by the unfamiliar process, but I was able to solve it by seeking advice from the designers of ceneca who were experienced with oriental black ink. Since the maker and designer treated their respective fields with respect and consideration, the collaboration could proceed without much difficulty. It was efficient because I was able to focus on production, and I think we got a better result because I was able to hear thoughts and opinions about the production from the designer’s point of view.”

At first glance, the trolley looks like a piece of sculpture. This trolley not only serves a functional role, but also a role as an artistic object. By preserving the designer’s existing formative design, it was created as a trolley that offers mobility with a design that can be produced mechanically. It exhibits a dynamic and vivid design of lines. Black stained plywood and stainless steel are combined to create a new mood. In addition, the glass material offers practicality and the impression of space at the same time. The trolley represents a “moving sculpture”, which is newly created through the formative “combination” of line elements and plane elements coming from different axes. Designer Park Jeesun “As a person who works alone in numerous processes from idea to realization, the DDP Design Fair’s new matching process was refreshing. Furthermore, I got paired with a wonderful team called Meeseek, and we were able to create a product we were satisfied with. These days, furniture is of great value for the home and living category since it not only serves a functional role, but also a role as an artistic object, so I think furniture plays a role as a functional art piece in everyday life. We tried to reinterpret this trend into the trolley’s design. The newly unveiled “Piece Combination Trolley” created based on the collaboration with Meeseek, which curates art furniture, reflects the concept of dynamic lines by taking advantage of the trolley’s unique “mobility” feature. I have been constantly researching and searching for attractive materials and shapes. Based on my researches, I would like to showcase a chair in the second half of this year. I hope that the DDP Design Fair, which has empowered us to take a huge leap forward, becomes a stepping stone for more designers in the future and grows into an international event.” Maker Meeseek “There have always been concerns about mass production since most of the individual works of artists are hand-crafted. However, the collaboration with the artist enabled us to find a solution. Together with Jisun Park, we were able mass-produce our product by simplifying a certain process. Meeseek strives to lead the work process by respecting the artist’s intention and focus on how to promote the end result. At this year’s DDP Design Fair, we would like to have an opportunity to promote the result of our collaboration to a variety of Korean companies, consumers and overseas brands. Through this opportunity, we hope the art collective, Meeseek, becomes one of the most active distribution platforms for artworks.”