murphy/jahn: pentomonium towers yongsan international business district

‘pentomonium towers’ by murphy/jahn, seoul, korea all images courtesy of murphy/jahn

chicago-based practice murphy/jahn has sent images of the ‘pentomonium towers’, a high-end residential building for the western side of the yongsan international business district in seoul, korea. the pair of towers are set diagonal to each other and connected with a bridge at the midpoint and gridded rooftop canopy. reaching 320 meters tall, the slender profile emerges from a small square footprint, minimizing the number of units on each level while maximizing seclusion offering dwellers an urban living experience previously only found with individual homes. the scenic southwestern views are enhanced by internally shifting the vertical circulation cores towards the northeastern elevation. the resulting U-shaped configuration may be subdivided, maintaining their outward perspectives while penthouses use the entire floor.

upward view of the towers

the enclosure then shifts between the neighboring residences, forming bay windows, balconies and wintergardens. at the perimeter, a screen of vertical and horizontal bars within a 5 meter tall by 3 meter wide modular grid aligns the geometries between each of the buildings. the exterior surface serves as a structural framework, provides shade and additional privacy. four-storey high parks are carved into the sides at various heights, offering residents recreational areas and lounges. operable glass panels allow for manual adjustments to the interior climate.

aerial view of the towers