Eunji Kang

Professional Journey

Eunji Kang has worked in systems change and experimental product development for over a decade. With degrees in contemporary art from Korea University of Arts and an MA in Critical Practice in Design from Goldsmiths, University of London, she has spearheaded various projects around planetary missions. This includes unlocking spatial assets in urban and environmental governance, exploring new forms of agencies and intelligence in everyday civics, and innovating financial instruments for regenerative economies across different geographical regions and contexts. Eunji has been involved in designing organisations/initiatives, including Colour-in City, RewirEd, AYARF, Transnational Labs, and more. Additionally, she has been a member of the advisory board at the Seoul Metropolitan City and a co-director at Dark Matter Laboratories Korea/Global.

Personal Journey: how I started and where I see the design practice.

I've experienced three financial crises in the past two decades. Each time, design tended to prioritise economic growth and material consumption over addressing ecological needs and societal inequalities, often at the expense of collective well-being. Digital technology has made our way of living more fluid, prompting profound questions about the role of design in our rapidly changing world. Amidst these shifts, design practice now necessitates the courage to say ‘no’ or 'not to' many traditional roles and actively explore 'where design is truly needed,' envisioning 'what alternative futures would look like,' to create a caring tomorrow.

Over the past three years, I’ve increasingly questioned design practice: why, what, and how. Returning to the beginning of discovering/redefining the ‘design space,’ I don’t necessarily possess the complete answer. I have identified areas that currently lack clear resolutions, but in the upcoming years, my goal is to build meaningful practices through collaborative efforts. There is already remarkable work inspired by embracing diverse worldviews, localised practice/contextual solutions, the web3 space for experimenting with multitudes of individuals/voices, and loosely connected micro-networks/centres, creating a deep healing space from trauma and more.

You can connect with me on LinkedIn:@eunjikangsinand [email protected]. A detailed personal profile is available upon request.

Photo @Cherihan Gomes Hassun