Architects: JDS; Partners in Charge Henning Stüben, Julien De Smedt Location: Gangnam Bogeumjari District in Seoul, South Korea Client: Shinyoung Collaborators: Junglim Architects Area: 38,000 m2 Budget: 33 million euros Project Leader: Heechan Park Team: Byeongmoo Moo, Francisco Villeda, Amanda Ripoll, Chris Zhongtian Yuan, Marvin Philipp, Mathilde Claus Construction: Autumn 2012
JDS has been commissioned to design a hybrid office and hotel, the Officetel Building, for the new development area of Gangnam Bogeumjari District in Seoul, South Korea. The interesting mixed program, which includes retail, amenities and 700 compact living spaces, has resulted in a textured facade that responds to contextual issues such as sight lines and expose to natural light.
More about the project after the break.
Site strategy and building placement were of utmost importance for the project, as the surrounding buildings and natural terrain pose opportunities for the designers. Since the project rests upon a hill, JDS has allowed the building to define a courtyard that opens toward the natural terrain, allowing the nature qualities to become an integrated part of the site as well as the new building.
The building’s shifted facade creates a special identity for the whole building complex – “a lively and exclusive appearance that becomes the trademark for this unique building.” The shifting also affords each unit space for a terrace, and the cascading effect of the offset space encourages communication between the neighbors and strengthens the feeling of community within the building.
