Unlike a traditional inward-facing mall, the project developed by Heatherwick Studio uses the façade and the areas around it as public spaces, accessible to all visitors, whether they are shopping in the mall or just enjoying a stroll around the area.
“Traditionally, department stores are quite inward-facing, seeming closed off to the surrounding streets. But here we have a major intersection in Apgujeong with two buildings, east and west, which seemed like an opportunity to bring people together. Combined with Hanwha’s ambition to bring more activity into the buildings, we wanted to provide a strong overall silhouette that would create a gateway, but also offer Seoulites new garden-like spaces to gather, shop and enjoy their city.”
Neil Hubbard, Partner and Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio.
The Galleria consists of two symmetrically opposed twin buildings, equal but not identical connected at ground level, where the unusual shapes of the twins come together to frame the view of the river from the whole. Both silhouettes resemble wavy hourglasses, with the narrower necks acting as public spaces where nature takes center stage and seems to emanate from within.
As visitors ascend the refurbished subway, airy, light-filled entrance atriums draw them into two landscaped plazas on the ground floor. The journey continues to an open mid-level garden filled with cafes, restaurants and retail spaces. New open garden roofs provide another green space and, together with the glass façade, offer multiple views and reflections of the city.
The new outdoor spaces throughout the complex are designed to provide natural interest throughout the year, and are the product of a careful selection of native plants and careful, respectful landscaping in relation to the Han River.
The buildings’ crystalline glass exterior creates an impression of softness as it shimmers during the day, while at night, the outer skin comes alive when used as a backdrop for glowing projections. Both buildings feature a double-layered skin that offers better sustainability conditions while creating a canvas for art exhibitions and events.
The choice of the different project strategies to follow is part of a competition organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Currently, together with the local authorities and Haeahn Architecture, Heatherwick Studio is working on the detailed project and development of the project.
The project follows the recent announcement of the appointment of Thomas Heatherwick, founder of the studio, as General Director of the fifth edition of the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, to be held in 2025. In addition, the Korean edition of Thomas’ book, Humanise: A Maker’s Guide to Building Our World, will be published later this year.
