Excitement filled the air as thousands of participants surged in through the northern gate of COEX Convention Center, southeast Seoul, on Thursday, to attend the Herald Design Forum 2012.

Diverse in age, occupation, social status and interest, guests convened at the grand auditorium of the beautifully designed building. Passion for design and creation became the common interest to hold together thousands of individuals. 

Following the grand opening ceremony, three globally renowned designers ― Tadao Ando, Kenya Hara and Joon Oh! ― delivered lectures on architecture, design style and design management.

“I am personally interested in design and social issues. When I learned about the Herald Design Forum, I decided to use my vacation allowance,” said Chung Sae-young, an official of Hyundai Oilbank Co. special sales division.

“The line-up of the speakers really excited me, even more than a rock concert. You can rarely meet professionals at this level ― even less so to meet them all in one place.”

The young enthusiast, greatly motivated by Kenya Hara, complained about how the city’s gas stations look the same.

“I am interested in how, for example, by asking new designers to come up with new, original designs for gas stations, we can come up with a gas station that’s beyond just a place that sells gasoline.”

After attending a lecture by Tadao Ando, Pyo Gallery Seoul president Pyo Mi-sun said, “I don’t think it’s only the young people who can be young, but also those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.”

“I think even when they are old, they can still have a youthful heart. With design, we can see how to get there.”

Many participants expressed their willingness to attend the annual design forum again next year.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)