Heatherwick Studio revealed its plans for the Seoul Hanwha Galleria located in the Apgujeong-dong neighborhood. This design is in line with Seoul’s broader goal to rejuvenate the Han Riverbanks.
The new design reimagines the store’s incorporation into the local surroundings, utilizing the facade and adjacent spaces as public areas accessible for shopping or leisure activities in the community.
“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. Combined with Hanwha’s ambition to bring more activity to the buildings, we wanted to provide a strong overall silhouette that creates a gateway but also gives Seoulites new garden-like spaces to meet, shop, and enjoy their city.” said Neil Hubbard, partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio.
Alongside the glass facade, the newly constructed open rooftops adorned with abundant greenery offer additional green space and various vantage points and reflections of the city. The outdoor areas are carefully designed to provide natural elements year-round, featuring a selection of indigenous plants and thoughtful landscaping.
Heatherwick Studio recently revealed its design for Nodeul Island, an artificial island that will transform into a new public park.
