#29 Seoul Design Award 2024 TOP 10 Unveiled, Which one is your Choice?

2024. 10. 4.

Cast your vote for the most innovative project

TOP 10 embodying creative and sustainable design

The Seoul Design Award consistently seeks out design projects that fulfill social responsibilities and contribute to creating a sustainable future. This year, in particular, we received even more submissions from a wider range of countries compared to last year’s award. Designers from all corners of the globe submitted projects focused on building a sustainable future.

We've selected a total of 10 projects that foster harmonious relationships between people, society, and the environment, aiming for a sustainable daily life. Among the TOP 10 selected works, the project that receives the most votes from citizens will be additionally awarded the 'Global Citizens' Choice'. By participating in the voting, you can evaluate the social impact of each project and directly select the most innovative project. Your choice determines the winner. Vote for the design that will change the future!

🗳️ How to Vote for the Global Citizen’s Choice

Voting Period: October 4, 2024 (Fri) - October 27 (Sun)
Voting Method: Simultaneous online voting and offline voting at the exhibition hall (QR code leads to the integrated homepage)
Announcement of Results: Online announcement

👉 Go directly to the Global Citizen’s Choice voting page

✨ Top 10 Teams Selected by Seoul Design Award 2024

The Seoul Design Award 2024 unveils the TOP 10 projects that creatively address various social issues, selected from hundreds of submitted projects!

1. Canal Park ⎮ A new park has blossomed from an abandoned ancient aqueduct

128 architecture & urban design

@Mexico

A centuries-old, abandoned canal was revitalized into a linear park that connects the community. By preserving the canal's original topography and repurposing existing roads, the project seamlessly integrates the park into the surrounding neighborhood. The incorporation of trees, renewable energy sources, and sustainable design principles has created a vibrant community space that promotes interaction and enhances the quality of life for local residents.

2. Chaki Wasi, handicrafts center ⎮ An Indigenous handicraft center reviving traditions through the power of the local community

La Cabina de la Curiosidad

@Ecuador, France

Situated in the indigenous Shalala community, the handcrafted "Chaki Wasi" center showcases traditional Andean architecture. Constructed using local materials such as river stones, eucalyptus, and thatched roofs, the center preserves ancestral building techniques and fosters community cooperation. By generating tourism income, the project contributes to the economic empowerment of the community while respecting cultural and environmental values.

3. Classe rouge ⎮ Cost-effective, and quickly realizable educational structures using local materials

ACTA - Action through architecture

@Niger, Italy

Designed to address the educational challenges faced by the Sahel region, this efficient and sustainable classroom model offers a scalable solution. By utilizing locally sourced materials and incorporating innovative construction techniques, such as the use of mobile formwork, the model reduces costs and improves thermal efficiency. Its capacity for rapid replication makes it suitable for widespread implementation in areas with limited educational infrastructure, like Niger.

4. EYELIKE PLATFORM ⎮ A portable eye examination device to eliminate preventable blindness

LABSD, INC.

@India, South Korea

EYELIKE is a groundbreaking platform dedicated to preventing blindness and promoting eye health in low-income and resource-poor communities. By leveraging recycled smartphones, AI-powered diagnosis, and a web-based dashboard, EYELIKE empowers local medical staff to conduct rapid and accurate eye examinations. Through an integrated online donation module, the platform fosters a global community of supporters, ensuring the sustainability of eye care initiatives worldwide.

5. Lighthouse & Buoys: Dementia Friendly Neighbourhood ⎮ Space designs that create lasting memories for dementia patients

SUTD Social Urban Lab(SOULab)

@Singapore

This innovative project creates dementia-friendly urban spaces designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. By incorporating wayfinding elements inspired by "lighthouses" and "buoys," the project establishes a memorable and accessible spatial network. Addressing the challenges posed by limited outdoor environments, this initiative promotes social interaction and physical activity among people with dementia.

6. Mo de Movimiento ⎮ A sustainable restaurant, from construction to operation

Lucas Muñoz Muñoz

@Spain

Spain's MO de Movimiento restaurant has become a beacon of sustainability, demonstrating a holistic approach to environmental consciousness. By repurposing on-site materials and implementing an innovative terracotta-based cooling system, the restaurant minimizes its environmental footprint. Additionally, its commitment to social responsibility is evident through partnerships with organizations providing job opportunities for at-risk youth. MO de Movimiento serves as a pioneering example of how the built environment can be both sustainable and socially impactful.

7. ProxyAddress ⎮ A hopeful solution for the homeless: Providing them with an address

Chris Hildrey

@United Kingdom

This innovative project provides homeless individuals with a stable mailing address, enabling them to access essential services such as employment, benefits, and banking. By repurposing vacant property addresses and implementing robust security measures, the project ensures that participants can maintain a confidential and secure address. A pilot program demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, with 96% of participants exiting homelessness within six months. Through collaboration with various organizations, the project aims to create a sustainable system that promotes long-term social change.

8. Skyblox Co-Living Housing ⎮ A new concept of co-living that redefines urban living with fast and affordable solutions

TKCA Architects

@Malaysia

SkyBlox Co-Living Housing reimagines urban living by offering affordable, high-quality housing that promotes sustainable lifestyles and fosters a strong sense of community. Leveraging PPVC (Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction) technology and eco-friendly materials, SkyBlox addresses the challenges of urban housing affordability and accessibility. By creating shared spaces that connect residents with nature and each other, SkyBlox contributes to the revitalization of urban communities.

9. Solar Cow & AYANTU ⎮ A simultaneous solution to rural African problems, combining education and energy

YOLK

@Ethiopia, South Korea

This innovative project, "Solar Milk," provides solar-powered batteries to schools, empowering students to study at home. By addressing the challenges of energy poverty, the project incentivizes parents to send their children to school, leading to increased attendance rates and decreased dropout rates. Solar Milk not only breaks the cycle of poverty but also promotes education and reduces child labor.

10. Water Hyacinth Floating Garden ⎮ A floating garden solution that provides economic self-sufficiency to floating villages

AC/AL studio

@Cambodia

The Water Hyacinth Floating Garden project is a sustainable solution that empowers residents of Prek Toal village, Cambodia, to achieve food self-sufficiency. By utilizing hydroponics with water hyacinths, villagers can cultivate their own fresh produce, reducing their reliance on expensive imported food. This project addresses the challenges of food insecurity and limited access to resources, improving the overall quality of life for the community.

👀 Experience the Seoul Design Award TOP 10 Up Close

See the winning works of the Seoul Design Award 2024 through an exhibition. Various examples of sustainable design, including the TOP 10 projects, will be showcased, and events where citizens can directly participate will also be held. The exhibitions will take place at DDP (JandiSarangbang, Market, Magazine Library) and the ONDREAM SOCIETY located in Myeongdong during the Seoul Design 2024 period.

▶︎ Seoul Design Award TOP 10 Exhibition Information

📍 DDP JandiSarangbang

⎮October 17, 2024 (Thu) - October 27 (Sun)

This is a space where you can enjoy a special time while watching UD movies, past award-winning works, and TOP 10 videos in a relaxing lounge.

📍 DDP Market

⎮October 17, 2024 (Thu) - October 27 (Sun)

A vibrant space where you can encounter design. Vote for the Citizen's Choice and receive souvenirs (business card holder, postcard).

📍DDP Magazine Library

⎮October 17, 2024 (Thu) - Permanent Exhibition

This is a space where you can take a closer look at the award through the TOP 10 project exhibition and content containing the values of the Design Award.

📍 ONDREAM SOCIETY

⎮October 11, 2024 (Fri) - October 16 (Wed) Weekday 9:00 - 19:00 / Weekend 10:00 - 19:00

ONDREAM SOCIETY is a community-based platform where future talent is nurtured and environmental and social issues are tackled creatively and innovatively with the next generation. It is the first spatial platform created by the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation. This is a 'traveling' design award held outside of DDP. Meet the special exhibition in collaboration ONDREAM SOCIETY that develops innovative solutions to social problems.

👉Go to ONDREAM SOCIETY website