Architecture World: Libeskind wins Seoul competition to transform the center of the South Korean capital into an international business district

May 18, 2009

Libeskind wins Seoul competition to transform the center of the South Korean capital into an international business district

Image(copyright Studio Daniel Libeskind),click 2 enlarge

Studio Daniel Libeskind has been named winner of the master plan competition for the Yongsan International Business District of Seoul, South Korea. The new large-scale district features a cluster of residential, office and retail neighborhoods in an extensive urban park along the Han River.

Image(copyright Studio Daniel Libeskind),click 2 enlarge
The plan, called Archipelago 21 because each of the linked neighborhoods functions like “islands” within a sea of green park space, will contain a total of 34 million square feet of built area. The $20 billion development is slated to break ground in 2011. The development entity is Yongsan Development Co., Ltd, a South Korean conglomerate. The district will also contain new cultural institutions, educational facilities and rapid transportation systems.

Image(copyright Studio Daniel Libeskind),click 2 enlarge
“The idea is to create a 21st Century destination that is at once transformative, vibrant, sustainable and diverse,” Mr. Libeskind said. “I wanted to make each form, each place, each neighborhood as varied and distinctive as possible. The plan, and each building within it, should reflect the vertical and cultural complexity of the heart of Seoul.”

Image(copyright Studio Daniel Libeskind),click 2 enlarge
“We are proud to be selected for this major project from among so many distinguished firms,” Mr. Libeskind said. Finalists included Asymptome, Foster+Partners, Jerde Partnership and Skidmore Owings & Merrill. Studio Daniel Libeskind worked with ARUP and Martha Schwartz, Inc. on the winning entry.