mecanoo completes 14-floor namdeamun office building next to historic seoul market
the slim tower's distinctive façade is a reinterpretation the windows found on traditional korean homes.
dutch practice mecanoo has completed a slim 14-storey tower in seoul opposite one of south korea’s oldest and largest markets. since its origins as a government-managed commercial space in 1414, the namdeamun market has become an important 24-hour destination for trade, as well as a popular tourist attraction. according to the architects, the area’s history and regional traditions have informed the design of the ‘namdeamun office building’, connecting the past with present.
all images by kyungsub shin
interestingly, the building’s distinctive façade is a reinterpretation of the windows found on traditional korean homes. ‘the role of the frame extends beyond decoration, continuously creating different atmospheres, filtering incoming light and making shadows across the interior spaces,’ explains mecanoo. the slender building sits on a prominent corner plot opposite the market, maximizing the land allocated for the scheme.
the façade is a reinterpretation of the windows found on traditional korean homes
the tower’s rational form and monochrome materiality acts as a visual counterbalance to the colorful frenzy of the adjacent marketplace. ‘the relationship between the building and its surroundings reflects the passing of time, changing from day to night,’ continue the architects. during the day, the façade reflects sunlight, while during the night, the building glows subtly from within, revealing the elevation’s distinctive pattern.
the project is located opposite one of south korea’s oldest and largest markets
the fenestration provides different qualities of light and shade for the interior
the tower acts as a visual counterbalance to the colorful frenzy of the marketplace
by night, the building glows subtly from within, revealing the elevation’s distinctive pattern
during the day, the façade reflects sunlight
the namdeamun market has become an important 24-hour destination for trade
the slim 14-storey tower is located in central seoul
project info:
program: 14-floor building of 5,900 sqm with offices and retail
client: heungkuk life insurance co., ltd., seoul, south korea
design: 2014-2015
realization: 2015-2017
façade consultant: excfirm, seoul, south korea
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