GP
Park view · Visualisation: 3XN
The brief, “Future Gangnam Prime”, was read through four themes: Time & Future, defining a landmark; Hyper Personality and the Future Proof Workplace; Green Lifecycle; and Public = Culture.
“Great architecture doesn’t just occupy space, it activates the entire district around it.” The tower is designed for three audiences: the skyline, as a distinctive, quality landmark; the city, with a generous arrival experience; and the people who work there, as a future-proof workplace.
Role
Lead designer
Studio
3XN Architects, Copenhagen
Client
Private developer
Programme
Office tower, public lobby, rooftop garden
Location
Seoul, South Korea
Status
Competition
Year
2025
Awards
1st prize, competition
01
Orientation and placement
Where the global energy of Gangnam meets the cultural character of Seocho, the site sits at a key point in Seoul’s urban fabric. The former warehouse site becomes a commercial catalyst: a landmark along Seocho-daero that brings commerce and culture together and links the Gyeongbu Expressway with its historic context.
02
Tower form
The form is inspired by bojagi, the traditional Korean wrapping cloth that stands for prosperity, good fortune and artistry. The plan is split into four blocks that are rotated, stacked and scaled to break down the tower’s bulk, and vertical facade panels flare out at the base, with shading built in.
03
Every great high-rise starts at the ground plane
The stacked volumes spiral to open the ground floor as public space, with entrances on every side. A three-level lobby steps up towards the linear park, so arriving feels like walking through the tree canopy. Social lobby, co-working, wintergardens, café, green link, retail and an incubator hub create a sequence of places for all ages.
04
The healthy workplace
A rational, flexible plan with a performing facade. Winter gardens and operable facades bring in fresh air, and connected floors make a workplace for tomorrow. At the top, the crown holds an executive suite and a rooftop garden that completes the spiral, with integrated PV and rainwater harvesting.
Design: 3XN · Visualisations: 3XN
