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Hanwha Plaza, Seoul
By : Atelier LOOSvanVLIET
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Landscape Architecture - Commercial & Office Project : Gold Certification
Hanwha Plaza, Seoul, South-Korea
The design for the Hanwha Plaza is part of the assignment for the remodeling of the façade, entrance lobby, and the office interior of The Head Quarter Building of Hanwha. The new landscape and façade reflect Hanwha’s status as an environmental technology provider. The building’s design was in the final for the Green Building Awards in 2014.
The building is located in the vibrant heart of the city, along the famous Cheonggyecheon stream. Before, cars mainly used the area to access the underground car parking garage. As the Seoul government has mandated that all private plots be made partially public to increase the quality of public space in Seoul, this area called for greater accessibility, more greenery, and a well-laid-out and open space for visitors as well as pedestrians.
The design for the plaza is representative, connecting to the surrounding plots and inviting people in from all sides. Throughout the area, the optimum use of space has been carefully considered. The layout of the square has one overarching style, but there are distinct atmospheres within the plan: rather more peaceful zones and more active and highly representative zones. The area is made up of three large plazas. In the north, The Berlin Plaza, on which three panels of the original Berlin Wall are exhibited; in the west, the Media Park, with seats and a projection screen, and the Central Plaza, a multifunctional square with a sunken garden and a stage. The event zone is marked by an iconic canopy stretching out above the stage. The sunken garden lies behind the stage and provides access to the underground car park. All entrances to the car parks are now covered with canopies with sedum roofs. They offer sheltered seating areas. One of the canopies has been made available for an art pavilion.
Special attention was paid to the clarity of routing. The pedestrians are guided through the plaza by elevated planters. Their shape refers to the trapezium façade elements consisting of PV-panels. They are built from massive granite blocks. Benches have been integrated into the planters providing rest along the main routes. The main pedestrian routes are also marked by the pavement, made of natural-stone granite blocks in different shades of grey. A dynamic pattern of dark grey tiles and sandy tiles leads visitors to the main entrances. Led lines are integrated into the pavement as special features to accentuate the routing. The rest of the lighting is subtle and indirect. Minimalist lampposts provide enough light on the Plaza without causing light pollution. To motivate employees to come to work by bike, sheltered bicycle racks have been constructed.
Planters contain a broad selection of trees and shrubs. They were chosen based on not only their aesthetic values but also their role in improving the city’s climate. They minimize water runoff and filter fine dust from the air. Different tree species, both evergreens and accent trees, are mixed in each planter. Each planter has one type of shrub. The blend of planters with different colors creates a lush experience throughout all seasons. The hedges provide food and nesting opportunities for birds. Tall bamboo has been planted in the sunken garden.
Previously mainly used by cars, the area is now a future-proof, multifunctional public space and a pleasant outdoor place for citizens of Seoul.
Collaboration
