The Busan Metropolitan City Government has officially announced its 2025 Public Design Competition, inviting citizens and design enthusiasts to participate in a creative endeavor aimed at "rebooting" the city's public spaces. Under the theme of "Busan Public Design Rebooting Exploration," the competition will accept submissions from June 20th to June 24th, 2025.

Now in its 17th iteration since its inception in 2009, this annual competition serves as a vital platform for fostering public interest and consensus regarding the aesthetic and functional aspects of Busan's public design. The initiative seeks to harness innovative ideas and future visions from the citizenry to cultivate a more refined and citizen-centric public design landscape throughout the metropolis.

The competition focuses on two primary categories: Public Spaces and Public Facilities. The core objective for submitted designs is the improvement (redesign) of existing public spaces within Busan's city limits. Participants are tasked with presenting designs that demonstrate:

Connected Design: Proposals should illustrate how the redesigned public space effectively communicates and interacts with its surrounding environment and adjacent sites, fostering seamless integration and flow.
Universal Design: Submissions must adhere to the principles of universal design, ensuring that the proposed spaces and facilities are safe, convenient, and accessible to all individuals, regardless of age, ability, or background.
Entrants are required to showcase the transformative potential of their designs by providing a clear comparison between the "before" and "after" states of a specific public space within Busan. This visual and conceptual juxtaposition will allow the judging panel to assess the impact and feasibility of the proposed redesigns.

The competition is open to all individuals with an interest in public design, encouraging broad participation from both design professionals and the general public. Interested parties can access the detailed competition guidelines and application forms on the Busan Metropolitan City Government's official website. Submissions, including the application and design proposals, must be submitted online via the city's website or through electronic mail during the designated submission period, from 9:00 AM on June 20th to 6:00 PM on June 24th, 2025.

Judging Criteria and Awards

The submitted designs will undergo a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of expert judges. The assessment will be based on the following key criteria:

Creativity: The originality and innovativeness of the design concept.
Usability: The practicality and functionality of the proposed design for public use.
Aesthetics: The visual appeal and harmony of the design.
Symbolism: The design's ability to reflect and enhance the identity and character of Busan.
Awards will be presented in two distinct categories: General (open to the public) and Student. The prize structure is as follows:

General Category:

Grand Prize (대상): 1 award
Gold Prize (금상): 1 award
Silver Prize (은상): 2 awards
Bronze Prize (동상): 3 awards
Student Category:

Top Excellence Award (최우수상): 1 award
Excellence Award (우수상): 2 awards
Merit Award (장려상): 5 awards
The total prize money and certificates to be awarded amount to approximately 13.5 million Korean Won (KRW). This significant investment underscores the city's commitment to fostering design excellence and recognizing the valuable contributions of participants.

City's Vision for a Design-Forward Busan

Kim Yu-jin, Head of the Future Design Headquarters of Busan Metropolitan City, emphasized the significance of the competition in realizing the city's vision for a high-quality, citizen-driven public design environment. "This competition has been organized to achieve a dignified public design for Busan, created in collaboration with its citizens," stated Head Kim. "We eagerly anticipate the participation of citizens who possess fresh perspectives and innovative ideas for Busan's public spaces."

The Busan Metropolitan City Government has been actively investing in public design initiatives to enhance the urban environment and improve the quality of life for its residents. Previous public design projects in Busan have included the revitalization of waterfront areas, the creation of accessible and aesthetically pleasing street furniture, and the integration of art and design into public transportation hubs. These efforts reflect a broader trend in South Korean urban planning, where public design is increasingly recognized as a crucial element in creating livable, sustainable, and culturally vibrant cities.

The Importance of Public Design

Public design plays a pivotal role in shaping the urban experience. Well-conceived public spaces and facilities can enhance social interaction, promote inclusivity, improve safety, and contribute to a city's overall identity and attractiveness. By engaging citizens in the design process, the Busan Metropolitan City Government aims to ensure that public spaces reflect the needs and aspirations of the community they serve.

The "rebooting" theme of this year's competition suggests a forward-thinking approach, encouraging participants to not only address existing challenges but also to envision innovative solutions for the future of Busan's urban landscape. This focus on revitalization and adaptation is particularly relevant in a rapidly evolving urban environment where flexibility and user-centric design are paramount.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Busan Public Design Competition presents a significant opportunity for individuals to contribute to the transformation of one of South Korea's major metropolitan centers. By encouraging creative and practical design solutions, the competition aims to elevate the quality of Busan's public spaces and foster a stronger sense of civic pride and engagement. The results of this competition are expected to provide valuable insights and potentially lead to the implementation of innovative public design projects that will benefit the citizens and visitors of Busan for years to come.

The city encourages all those with a passion for design and a desire to shape the future of Busan's urban environment to participate in this exciting endeavor. The call for submissions underscores Busan's commitment to embracing creativity and collaboration in its ongoing efforts to create a more vibrant and user-friendly city.