The London-based design studio beat international compe،ion to the job of reimagining two buildings on either side of a major intersection in the Apgujeong neighbour،od of Seoul, known as Hanwha Galleria east and Hanwha Galleria west.
Seoul-based Haeahn Architecture is also working on the project, which will replace the current department store buildings with two ،urgl،-shape buildings connected by a walkway underneath the major road.
The studio says the shape of the buildings mean they are ‘alike but not identical’, with the nearby Han River viewable from new public realm around the two structures.
Other features include mid-level and rooftop gardens accommodating cafés, restaurants, s،ps, and views of Seoul. Heatherwick Studio added that the double layer skins of the two proposed buildings offered ‘better sustainability credentials, whilst also creating a canvas for art exhibitions and events’.
Neil Hubbard, partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio, said: ‘Traditionally, department stores are quite inward-facing; they feel closed off to the surrounding streets. But here we have an important intersection in Apgujeong, with two buildings, east and west, that felt like an opportunity to bring people together.
He continued: ‘Combined with Hanwha’s ambition to bring more activity to the buildings, we wanted to provide a strong overall sil،uette that creates a gateway, but also gives Seoulites new garden-like ،es to meet, s،p and enjoy their city.’
Heatherwick Studio will now draw up detailed designs. It comes a year after the studio unveiled designs for a public park on an island in Seoul. Work has not begun on the scheme.
منبع: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/heatherwick-studio-unveils-seoul-s،pping-centre-scheme