South Korean design studio SWNA has created a set of rubbish bins for use in Seoul’s public spaces, featuring friendly rounded forms and animal ears on the lids.
The project is part of Design Seoul 2.0 – a five-year plan initiated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to improve the capital’s urban design.
Alongside projects exploring the design of public spaces, benches and drinking water fountains, SWNA was commissioned to develop a proposal for standardised bins that could be installed across the city.
The rubbish bins are manufactured in two styles, both with a simple cylindrical steel base and a domed lid made from recycled or virgin plastic.
SWNA founder Sukwoo Lee said the main objective for the Seoul City Public Trash Can project was to create a design that “satisfied both convenience and aesthetics”.
“Both types have wide slots and the top is open in all directions, making it easy to throw away and collect trash,” he explained. “Unlike existing square trash cans, the round design gives a soft impression.”
To enhance the fun factor of these utilitarian objects, SWNA added details aimed at “emphasising cuteness” including eyes that give the appearance of a smiley face.
The studio also produced a design featuring simplified bear or bunny ears on the lid, which Lee said would help to bring “vitality to the cityscape”.
As part of a pilot programme, thirty of SWNA’s bins were installed in high-footfall areas across the city centre, including in Sogong-ro, Seosomun-ro and Sejong-daero – the city’s widest road connecting Seoul Station to the historic Gwanghwamun Gate.
The scheme will be used to gather feedback from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, as well as from citizens and sanitation workers, which will inform improvements to the design.
“I hope that new trash cans will be placed throughout Seoul in the future,” Lee said.
The project forms part of the wider Design Seoul 2.0 programme launched in 2023, described by the municipal government as a five-year plan focusing on the five pillars of empathy, tolerance, dedication, recovery and sustainability.
SWNA was established in 2009 and undertakes projects across a range of disciplines. The studio’s previous projects include a design for a clock incorporating a concealed emergency kit that can be used in the event of a natural disaster.
