Department of Design and IKEA Korea Successfully Conclude Design Workshop, Open Campus Exhibition N
- Date2025.09.12
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“Experimenting with the Future of Brand Spaces in the Urban Context”
The Department of Design at Ewha Womans University’s College of Art & Design successfully hosted an industry–academia design workshop in collaboration with global home furnishing brand IKEA Korea on July 11 (Fri) and 12 (Sat) at the IKEA Gangdong store in Seoul.
Held under the theme “The Future of Retailing,” the workshop was conceived to explore new possibilities for brand spaces in the context of rapidly changing retail environments.
In recent years, brand spaces have evolved beyond simple points of sale to become platforms for experiencing brand philosophy and envisioning the future. IKEA, too, continues to leverage its spaces to propose new lifestyles and advance sustainable living. This workshop served as a meaningful attempt to integrate that corporate philosophy with higher education. Notably, by focusing on IKEA Gangdong—an urban showroom model that departs from the brand’s traditional suburban locations—the workshop explored the potential of city-centered retail spaces.
A total of 24 students from the Department of Spatial Design (headed by Professor Ji-eun Lee) and the official student club Dpro participated in the program. Working closely with IKEA’s retail design practitioners, the students sought to develop innovative strategies for brand spaces where online and offline experiences converge, and where personal preferences intersect with community values. They undertook the full design process—from site research and problem analysis to ideation—mirroring professional practice in the field.
Through this hands-on program, students gained direct exposure to the strategic thinking and creative problem-solving approaches of a global corporation. They also engaged in an in-depth reflection on the potential value of urban retail spaces and the sustainable directions of design.
The final outcomes of the workshop will be showcased in an exhibition to be held from September 8 to 13 at the first-floor lounge of Building C, College of Art & Design.
Looking ahead, Ewha Womans University’s College of Art & Design and IKEA Korea plan to continue offering students practice-based learning opportunities and exposure to global design trends through a variety of collaborative programs.