British architecture firm Heatherwick Studio has revealed its design for a shopping center in Seoul, South Korea, which resembles “rippled hourglasses.” The shopping center, known as Hanwha Galleria, is set to receive a fresh makeover from Heatherwick Studio.
The studio’s design was selected as part of a competition organised by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to redesign six locations in Seoul. The brief called for a design that would challenge traditional notions of a luxury department store and emphasize South Korea’s growing influence in global culture.
Located at a prominent intersection, Hanwha Galleria offers views of the Han River in the distance. Situated in the Apgujeong-dong neighborhood, the project aims to serve as a central hub connecting Gangnam’s residential and commercial areas while contributing to the city’s efforts to rejuvenate the Han Riverbanks.
The design proposed by the studio redefines the store’s relationship to the neighborhood. The proposal uses the facade and the surrounding areas as public spaces, accessible to everyone whether they are shopping at the mall or just enjoying the area, in contrast to a traditional, inward-facing shopping center.
“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,” said Neil Hubbard, Partner and Group Leader, Heatherwick Studio. (Source:Worldarchitecture.org)
Pic courtesy: Heatherwick Studio
