asymptote architecture: velo towers YIBD

‘velo towers’ by asymptote architecture, yongsan international business district, seoul, korea all images courtesy of asymptote architecture

new york-based asymptote architecture have sent us images of their ‘velo tower’ development, situated in the yongsan international business district, seoul, korea. the pair of skyscrapers are composed of stacked and rotated volumes which are a programmatic counterpoint to the conventional tall building typology. by breaking down the scale and massing of the two high-rises into interconnected circular dimensions, the project proposes an alternative architectural and urbanistic response to the traditional repetitions of the cityscape.

the eight distinct components are turned and positioned to capture views of the adjacent yongsan park overlooking the han river in the distance. a collection of roof gradients, shared amenities and internal circulation positioned around light-filled atrium spaces are massed to vertically distribute six to eight story residential communities in the yongsan skyline. a raised plinth hovers above the communal landscape which surrounds the base of the towers while the skybridge floats 30 stories above it. the interior fitness, recreation centers, lounges, pools, spas and cafes along with the sky garden provide views of the overall district.

faceted facade

the faceted facades are volumetrically constructed of large prefabricated modules which consist of glass within an custom molded composite shell, finished in pearlescent automotive paint. the 500 individual units vary in size from 45m2 to 82m2 with the option of plug-in interior elements. the fabrication of the building’s form will merge the latest technological advancements of the current automotive, aerospace and marine industries into the construction process.

aerial view

skybridge

exterior of ground level

entrance to lobby

site model

models

elevation

section

section

level / 18

level / 23 – 27

diagram

sketch

video © asymptote architecture