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Luc Donckerwolke

Beyond the Lines

From the Lamborghini Gallardo to Bentley and Genesis: throughout his career, Luc Donckerwolke has designed just about everything with four wheels that sparks desire. Now, the Belgian star designer is opening his creative archive in Seoul, offering a glimpse into what happens long before the finished car sees the light of day.

  • Text
    Alexander Morath
  • Photos
    Matthias Mederer • ramp.pictures

Some people collect stamps. Others collect ideas. Luc Donckerwolke clearly falls into the second category. And has done so since childhood. Whilst others might have dreamt of fast cars, he began drawing them himself at an early age. This passion turned into a career that took him through some of the most famous design studios in the automotive world.

Lamborghini Gallardo? Donckerwolke. Bentley Continental Flying Spur? Him again. And anyone wondering why Hyundai and Genesis have become so design-confident in recent years will, sooner or later, end up back at the same name.

The Belgian has been working for the Hyundai Motor Group since 2016. Today, as Chief Design Officer and Chief Creative Officer, he shapes the group’s creative development. He seems less interested in how a car must look, and more in how it could look.

‘I’m very curious and want to see what happens when we try this or that. In doing so, I’m always hoping for so-called “happy accidents” – mistakes from which something suddenly emerges.’
Luc Donckerwolke

Please don’t just look at the finished cars.

With the exhibition ‘Dreams that Resonate’, Hyundai is now exploring precisely this idea. From 24 November to 11 December 2026, ≈ in Seoul will open its doors for a rather personal journey through Donckerwolke’s creative universe.On display are drawings, sketches and documents from different stages of his life. From early ideas to works that later actually made it onto the road. A glimpse behind the scenes, then, before a few strokes on paper become a rather expensive piece of metal. And perhaps that is precisely the most exciting part. After all, you eventually become familiar with a finished car. But you don’t usually know the thoughts, detours and discarded ideas behind it.

“I didn’t design the Lamborghini Murciélago for Lamborghini, but for myself.”
Luc Donckerwolke

Always stay curious.

It’s no secret that Donckerwolke is a master of his craft. In 2022, he was voted World Car Person of the Year, followed in 2023 by Newsweek’s Disruptor Designer of the Year award.

But awards only tell half the story. What’s far more interesting is that, after decades in the business, he still approaches a blank sheet of paper with the same curiosity.

Perhaps that’s the real secret to good design: not thinking you know everything, but always wanting to try something new.

‘Dreams that Resonate’ is on display at Sinsa House in Seoul from 24 November to 11 December 2026. Admission is free.

"I’ve always gone against the system a bit."
Luc Donckerwolke

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