charming animal ears decorate seoul's city trash cans designed by SWNA

SWNA’s Innovative Trash Can Designs revitalize Seoul’s Streets

SWNA has introduced a new design for public trash cans currently undergoing a trial installation in select downtown areas of Seoul. This initiative is part of Seoul City’s ‘Design Seoul 2.0’ project, aimed at enhancing urban aesthetics and functionality. Under this large-scale design project, SWNA developed 30 trash cans to be piloted in 15 high-traffic urban locations such as Sejong-daero, Sogong-ro, and Seosomun-ro. The design focuses on both convenience and visual appeal. Type A features a sleek, curved shape, while Type B incorporates a friendly, smiling face on the lid and slot, adding a playful element. Both types of trash cans feature wide slots and open tops in all directions, ensuring easy disposal and collection of trash. The round design departs from traditional square bins, offering a softer aesthetic. General waste bins are colored dark brown, while recycling bins are dark green, serving as distinctive spots in the cityscape.

all images courtesy of SWNA

various waste bin models Enhance Seoul’s Urban Landscape

Additionally, SWNA introduced specialized designs with animal ears on select models, enhancing the bins’ charm and contributing to the city’s vibrancy. Founder Sukwoo Lee emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, involving stakeholders such as the Seoul Metropolitan Government, citizens, and sanitation workers to gather diverse feedback. Lee highlighted the challenges of public design, acknowledging the potential for political influences and striving for a balanced approach that incorporates stakeholder needs. Currently in the pilot phase, studio SWNA plans to refine the design based on ongoing feedback, aiming for broader implementation throughout Seoul in the future.

SWNA introduces new trash can designs in downtown Seoul

the initiative is part of Seoul City’s ‘Design Seoul 2.0’ project

type A features sleek, curved contours

type B adds a playful touch with a smiling face design

wide slots and open tops for easy trash disposal

departing from traditional square bins with a round, soft aesthetic

general waste bins in dark brown; recycling bins in dark green

specialized designs include models with charming animal ears

project info:

name: Seoul city trash can design
designer: SWNA | @sukwoo.lee_swna

participating designers: Sukwoo Lee, Gyuchang Kim, Joowon Kim, Daye Yang, and Gyunhwan Kwon

produced by: Seoul Metropolitan Government, SEDG

client: Seoul City (Mayor Oh Se-hoon)

location: Seoul, South Korea

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom