The 2014 Herald Design Forum kicks off Wednesday with discussions and debates on the expanding roles of design in modern society.
Launched in 2011 by Herald Corp., the publisher of The Korea Herald, the annual forum brings together some of the world’s most respected names in the world of design to discuss creativity and the influence that design can 
have on our daily life. This year, the event is taking place at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the newest addition to the cityscape of Seoul.
More than 10 speakers are giving talks about the latest innovations in their fields, under the theme “Design Spectrum, Expanding the Definition of Design.” The speakers include architects Rem Koolhaas, Joon Paik, Jeff Vandeberg and Nahyun Hwang; fashion designer Olivier Theyskens; food stylist and caterer Peter Callahan; advertising director Alex Schill; art toy artist Chris Riggs; and the innovative designers Daniel Kim and Matthew Cockerill.
The forum starts with a joint lecture by Koolhaas and Paik on creativity in architecture, followed by another joint lecture by Cockerill and Schill, who are to focus on sustainability and responsibility in design.
Koolhaas, currently a professor at Harvard University, was a curator of the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale, which focused on fundamental elements of architecture and introduced the unique aspects of various countries’ modern architecture. Paik is well known for designing Spaceport America, the world’s first commercial spaceport, in New Mexico. 
Cockerill, associate design director at Seymourpowell, has helped companies strengthen their relationship with customers and improve their products so that they satisfy consumers’ needs and desires. Schill, global CCO and partner of Serviceplan Group, has managed advertisement projects for global companies such as Google and BMW.
In the afternoon, Theyskens is to talk about his philosophy in fashion design, which has been manifested through his creations for major fashion brands such as Rochas, Nina Ricci and Theory. Two leading architects in urban renewal projects, Hwang and Vandeberg, are to discuss the broader role of design in shaping the landscapes around us.
Hwang, a founding partner of NHDM Architecture-Urbanism, based in New York, has led design teams in architectural urban design projects. Vandeberg, CEO of Vandeberg Architect, has led many city renewal projects in New York.
Art toy artist Riggs is to talk about his art-inspired design for unique art toys. Riggs has become well known for his art toys, including the popular character Dunny. Food stylist Callahan is to talk about innovative design for food, which he incorporates in planning his events for celebrities and important figures.
Along with the lectures and discussions, creative design products from daily necessities to eco-friendly organic food products are being showcased at the Herald Design market in partnership with the Seoul Design Foundation from Wednesday to Sunday at DDP.
Fun events are also being held, with chances for visitors to participate in a lucky draw and talks with food stylist Callahan; Park Jin, CEO of Urban Bees Seoul; and Lee So-hyun of Autistar, a social enterprise that incorporates drawings by children with autism in design products.
By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)
