SPACE February 2024 (No. 675)
©SOM
The Seoul Metropolitan Government held an international design competition for the development of the Seongsu area including the SAMPYO site, to create a business district. The SAMPYO site, measuring approximately 29,000m2, was the location of a ready- mix concrete factory SAMPYO, which had been operating since 1977. David Chipperfield Architects, J. Mayer H. Architects, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) were invited to this nomination contest. As a result, SOM’s design of The Heart of Seoul Forest was nominated. This design was highly rated for its smooth connection of the previous SAMPYO site and Seoul Forest. The three high-rise towers contain various programs, and the sunken plaza connecting the lower levels of the three towers becomes a place for exchange where people can freely move on foot without interruption. The sunken plaza and upper floors of the tower will be used as a space for cultural exchange among citizens.
