BIG’s residential
towers in the Yongsan International Business District revitalize the Han riverfront
into a new commercial and residential center for
the citizens of Seoul.
Situated at the south-east edge of the Yongsan
master plan designed by Studio Liebeskind for the Korean development group
Dreamhub, BIG’s
Cross # Towers will contribute to the
developing skyline of Seoul and become a recognizable marker of the new
cultural and commercial center of
the city. BIG was selected to submit a design
proposal for Yongsan International Business District among 19 international
offices, including SOM,
Dominique Perrault, REX and MVRDV.
The 21 000 m2 site is
positioned next to the existing urban fabric in the future development zones of
the Yongsan master plan. BIG’s design
includes two elegant towers with a height of
214 and 204m. To meet the height requirements of the site, the exceeding
building mass is
transformed into an upper and lower horizontal
bar, which bridge the two towers at 140m and 70 m height. The two towers are
additionally
connected through the arrival bar at the
ground level – and a courtyard below ground.
“The Cross # Towers constitute a
three-dimensional urban community of interlocking horizontal and vertical
towers. Three public bridges connect
two slender towers at different levels –
underground, at the street and in the sky. Catering to the demands and desires
of different residents,
age groups and cultures the bridges are
landscaped and equipped for a variety of activities traditionally restricted to
the ground. The resultant
volume forms a distinct figure on the new
skyline of Seoul – a “#” that serves as a gateway to the new Yongsan Business
District signaling a
radical departure from the crude repetition of
disconnected towers towards a new urban community that populates the
three-dimensional space
of the city.” Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner,
BIG.
Both the upper and lower
bridge introduce rooftop sky gardens accessible to residents, allowing for
outdoor activities, while a courtyard at the
heart of the development is an integral part
of the overall architectural design. Dramatic views towards the neighboring
towers and visual
connections across the courtyard from the
retail zone create an exciting space for the residents and visitors. The
outdoor landscape is
envisioned to draw from the charm of
traditional courtyards combined with the modernity of the project. Pedestrians
at the arrival deck which
connects the towers at ground level can enjoy
impressive views to the bridges above and to the submerged courtyard below.
The development will offer over 600 high-end residences
and amenities, including a library, gallery space and a kindergarten. BIG’s
design ensures
that the tower apartments have optimal
conditions towards sun and views. The bar units are given value through their
spectacular views and
direct access to the roofscapes, activating
the outdoor realm. The exterior facades are developed to correspond to the
different orientations
and solar conditions, creating a diverse
façade which varies from the viewer’s vantage point and the position of the
sun.
Image source skyscrapercity.com
Architect: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
Landscape Architect: Martha Schwarz Partners (MSP)
Local Architect: SIAPLAN
Area: 96.534 m2
Tower 1: 214m | 52 Floors
Tower 2: 204m | 48 Floors
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