Hanwha Gallery,
design: Heatherwick Studio
The Heatherwick Studio studio won first place in a competition organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for the transformation of Hanwha Gallery, a well-known shopping center located in Apgujeong-dong, one of the richest neighborhoods in the South Korean capital. The architects have unveiled a concept that is expected to revolutionize the traditional notion of a luxury shopping mall.
Hanwha Gallery designed by Heatherwick Studio - the building will be distinguished by its glass transparent facade
© Devisual | Heatherwick Studio
a shopping mall
in the heart of Gangnam
Hanwha Gallery is located at a strategic point in the city, at a crossroads near the Han River, providing a focal point between residential and commercial areas in Gangnam District. Heatherwick Studio proposed a design that redefines the store's relationship with the local environment.
Traditionally, shopping malls are quite enclosed and isolated from the surrounding streets. Here, however, we have an important transportation hub in Apgujeong (a residential area in Gangnam - ed. note) with two buildings - an eastern and a western one. This is a perfect opportunity to bring people together
- emphasizes Neil Hubbard,
partner and project leader at Heatherwick studio
Hanwha Gallery designed by Heatherwick Studio - the visualization shows undulating facades that combine modern design with organic shapes
© Devisual | Heatherwick Studio
a harmonious connection
between the buildings and the subway station
The renovated gallery will consist of two symmetrically aligned twin buildings - similar but not identical - that connect underground via a subway station. As visitors enter the remodeled station, bright and airy atriums will draw them to two designed green plazas at the mall's ground level.
glass mall with rooftop garden
Both blocks of Hanwha Gallery will resemble undulating hourglasses. The crystalline glass façade will provide multiple vantage points over the city while creating a sense of lightness, shining during the day and becoming a backdrop for luminous projections at night. The lack of a canopy at the top will create open spaces filled with vegetation. Cafes, restaurants and stores will be located on the same floor, while a walking area for gallery visitors will appear below. In addition, Hanwha Gallery will have space for art exhibitions and various events.
The rooftop of Hanwha Gallery will feature spaces filled with vegetation
© Devisual | Heatherwick Studio
double-skin façade
and sustainable architecture
The mall will have a double-skin façade, which will provide better sustainability ratings by insulating the space from extreme temperatures, wind and noise, improving the thermal efficiency of the mall in high as well as low temperatures.
Unlike traditional enclosed shopping malls, the new approach aims to use the façade and surrounding spaces as accessible areas for everyone - both shoppers and those who simply want to spend time in the area.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Heatherwick Studio.
