Yongsan IBD Block H

source:kpfcom
A centerpiece of the Yongsan International Business District (YIBD), Block H is an award-winning, luxury residential and hotel tower symbolizing the promise and innovation of Seoul’s new urban center in the 21st century.

At 385 meters tall, the stepped building mediates the extreme height of the 665 meter landmark office tower to the northwest and the lower scale residential blocks beyond and is carefully oriented to increase views to the Han River to the south, Yongsan Park to the east, and both the Nam-San historic district and the adjacent landmark tower to the north. In addition to the hotel and serviced apartments, Block H contains casino, retail, and spa functions and other amenities, many of which are housed in a podium at the base.

Inspired by crystalline growth patterns found in nature, the tower’s three tiered wings radiate out from the building’s center. Unlike the design of most Y-type high-rise towers, the design of Block H “steps” each wing asymmetrically so there is a low-wing, a mid-wing and a high-wing. The three wing configuration also enables each apartment to have a corner view from the living space, while maximizing its privacy from the adjacent unit.

To connect with and intensify the urban realm, the tower and podium host a diverse program and are treated as a singular form, with a language of cascading terraces and set-back forms that grow upwards and outwards. Maximizing light, privacy, dramatic views, and commercial vitality, the building’s design is a thoughtful response to a diverse program in a bourgeoning urban environment.
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source:cafedaumnet
According to Business Insider and a number of other real estate development outlets, the “Dream Hub” project in Seoul Korea that drew designs from internationally renowned architects including Daniel Libeskind -designer of the master plan – MVRDV, Dominique Perrault, BIG, REX, KPF and Tange Associates is on the verge of collapse. The Yongsan Development Corporation reportedly defaulted on a major loan repayment, citing difficulties in raising funds due to the real estate slump since the 2008 global financial crisis. The collapse of the project is still speculative, as it is unclear how the next round of loans that are to mature in June will fare.

The $28 billion real estate “Dream Hub” project was to develop 56-acres in central Seoul into a modern business hub. In its planning it included shopping malls, hotels, department store, apartment blocks, and mixed-use office towers. Follow us after the break for a recap of the projects that were planned for this development.

The Harmony tower, designed by master planner of the Dream Hub Daniel Libeskind, is a 46-story office tower that is inspired by Korean Paper lanterns. The facets on the building’s facade reflect the earth and sky in dynamic ways. The tower tapers at the base to open more area to public space at the street level and create a more expansive pedestrian plaza. It also contains unique winter gardens along its south and west facade, providing uses with natural ventilation and planted park settings within the high rise. The garden also functions to reduce heat gain and promote energy efficiency.