The cultural property administration opened the "3rd University Cultural Heritage Public Design Contest," to expand the importance of public design related to cultural heritage, for two months. The public design fields focused on were: information maps, toilets, ticket offices, and convenience facilities. The new and valuable ideas from the design contest will avail for a remodeling project involving public design. We met the prizewinners - Kim Young Hoon (Industrial Design, 4) and Park So Jeong (Industrial Design, 3) on their toilet design.

Q: I wonder why you participated in the public design contest.

Young Hoon: The Design College requires us to submit design work in order to graduate. I think that I wanted to get a good result regardless of graduation. At that time, I found this design contest.

So Jeong: The Design College has a traditional manner in which juniors help seniors with their design work for graduation. Of course, it is an initiative decision to help or not. Because of that reason, I participated by helping with my senior's work. It was a good chance to help my senior and gain experience.

Q: We need an explanation of the work "Let in Shine and Air."

Young Hoon: We mapped out the design with a style to solve the problems. Basically, we considered a pro-environmental design. First of all, we broke the wall between inside and outside. Then, the space from that reiteration took the part of adding light and ventilation. We also made another space that connected with the existing space, so it had natural light and air. This is the reason why it was named "Let in Shine and Air."

So Jeong: We chose the design target. It was the toilet in Young Reung's ancient tomb. There were three toilets. We recognized that the toilet in the entrance had lots of problems. The toilet separated the two spaces so the image of cultural property and the toilet were very different. Furthermore, the flower bed and trees located in front of the toilet limited people's radius of action, so we used the concept of "open space" and focused on the convenience of the users.

Q: Did you have any memorable episodes while preparing?

Young Hoon: It was the first time to try to make a public design, so we had lots of trouble. Especially, the eggshell that was used for the floor material was memorable. Eggshells evoke a good feel. We decided to use the material for the floor, and then we ate the boiled eggs as a midnight snack after making the floor material.

So Jeong: The memory of working all night every night was also memorable. This summer, the weather was so hot. Due to the weather, we worked at night. We had hard work at that time, yet thanks to that time, we were able to win a prize.

Q: We heard that you were actively supported by a professor.

Young Hoon: Professor Kim Kyung Sook (Industrial Design) gave lots of help to us. Even during summer vacation, she visited us very often to offer advice. I really appreciated her help.

Q: What does winning this prize mean to you?

Young Hoon: It influenced me to decide my future plans and study. I will advance into environmental design and interior design, and I gained self-confidence to do work well. I can take on the challenge of any work in any field.

So Jeong: I was pleased to win and I also learned lots of things during the preparation period. From getting information to doing the design work, the advice from our professor and seniors helped us to prepare for other design contests. I will try to participate in another design contest carrying the self-esteem I gained through this contest.