Marking an important step for the project, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has approved planning permission in principle for a new headquarters building in the Seongsu district. The large building is conceived as a piece of infrastructure with “hardware” and “software” layers – a strongly sustainable concept which will allow the building to evolve over time ensuring its long life and purpose.
As part of the vibrant Seongsu district, the new headquarters will look to incorporate and enhance the diverse character of this eclectic neighbourhood. The surrounding organic urban fabric is continued into the lower levels of the building which will be permeable and open to the public. The first two levels form a public cultural multiplex, a ring of retail and cultural activities organised around the central covered square that can be transformed into an events space.