A new residential tower designed by New York-based ODA will soon grace the cityscape of Seoul. The tower’s design is highly aesthetic and has been created with the artistic sensibilities of Seoul’s citizens in mind. The design won a competition to create a mixed-use skyscraper, and is called Terrarium Cheong-dam. The tower will consist of a 45-floor structure supported by a two-story public podium. What’s more, in the middle of the tower lies a semi-private terrarium and sky garden, bringing a touch of greenery to the skies.
ODA won a design competition to create Seoul’s new skyscraper, Terrarium Cheong-dam.
Seoul has encouraged private-sector architects to create public space for the first time, in exchange for the opportunity to build higher structures. ODA made the most of this incentive, and it was crucial for them to create an open, inviting, and easily accessible podium to foster a strong sense of community. To this end, the podium will be home to a public park with beautiful landscaping, a water feature, sculpture gardens, and an indoor gallery space.
According to Eran Chen, the founder of ODA, “Seoul is another global city that has realized the importance of expanding its public realm to create a more meaningful urban environment.” He further added, “For the tower’s podium, we want to bring the community a space that serves as both a respite from the streetscape and an accessible connection point to the city’s most desirable commercial and residential districts.”Although there is no official word on the completion date of the 656-foot-tall skyscraper, one thing is for sure: it will change the urban fabric of the South Korean capital.
The 45-floor mixed-use tower stands upon a two-story podium that will be open to the public.
The innovative terrarium, inspired by classical loggias, is a unique feature that provides residents and office workers with an opportunity to engage with each other while enjoying nature. The terrarium is sandwiched between the lower floors, which provide office space, and the upper residential levels, making it a place for everyone to come together. The terrarium also adds an attractive sculptural look to the tower, making it a unique addition to Seoul’s skyline.
Greenery is essential to the project, with a public park on the podium and an open terrarium in the middle of the skyscraper.
Although there is no official word on the completion date of the 656-foot-tall skyscraper, one thing is for sure: it will change the urban fabric of the South Korean capital.
