Christian Dior Designer of Dreams, Korea

This interior lighting project covers a touring exhibition held in the Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, South Korea, in spring 2025. It displayed 196 dresses and 120 canvases on 21,500 square feet with 11 thematic areas.

This exhibition showcases the House’s 75 years history with iconic pieces, adding the “New Look” theme and integrating South Korea’s culture with its traditional patchwork curtain “jogakbo”. Lighting it proved to be a satisfying challenge to create the right balance between showcasing this cultural pride and blending it with the curated pieces.

With over 300 artifacts, preservation was paramount. Following the 50-lux limit while creating distinct ambience for each space while highlighting their intricate details was fundamental. Use of different color temperature from 3000k to 4000k created different atmospheres and matched the color temperature of the video when in use in relation to the décor or artefacts.

Lighting integration was a key factor of this project; almost all fixtures are integrated in the sets and millwork.

Layers of lighting were used to delicately and strategically control the lighting needed by each item. Using low voltage museum-quality (1-6 watts) fixtures for precise beam control, impeccable color rendering, and low UV emission to highlight each item.  Similar fixtures were used to illuminate encased artifacts.  Glare control and contrast ratios enhanced viewing comfort. LED strips were used to detach set designs and cleverly provide wayfinding. DMX lighting control system was used in cue with AV projections in the space.

The brand has always prioritized their commitment to sustainability requiring materials and design to be eco-friendly; All the fixtures were locally purchased or rented to limit carbon emissions. The project used energy efficient LED fixtures and was able to use accessible remote drivers with minimum maintenance.