Heatherwick Studio Unveils Design for Daegyo Apartments Redevelopment in Seoul, South Korea

"Heatherwick Studio's pursuit of originality in the project is based on the results of a 2025 Humanise Campaign study surveying 1,000 Seoul residents, who stated their preference for distinctive and textured homes. In the survey, 97% described current apartment complexes negatively, evoking strong reactions. Regular buildings were described as 'boring and soulless,' with residents saying the monotonous style creates a suffocating feeling."

"The answer to this dissatisfaction is a design drawing inspiration from natural forms, with undulating rooflines that echo the silhouettes of the mountains surrounding Seoul. According to Ms. Heesun Chung, the chairperson of the Yeouido Daegyo Apartment Redevelopment Association, the vision reflects the contributions of more than 600 union members, with the design being the result of that collaborative effort."

"Located near Hangang Park along the Han River, the redevelopment is expected to replace 576 existing units, completed in 1975, with approximately 900 new homes. The project features four residential buildings, a sky garden, and a spacious ground-floor area open to both residents and the public. The redevelopment integrates community facilities such as children's play areas, sports amenities, and welfare services."

Heatherwick Studio unveiled its first South Korean residential project: the transformation of Daegyo Apartments in Seoul's Yeouido district. The redevelopment replaces four 1975 buildings housing 576 units with approximately 900 new homes. The design draws inspiration from natural forms, featuring undulating rooflines that echo surrounding mountain silhouettes. This approach responds to a 2025 survey of 1,000 Seoul residents, where 97% described existing apartment complexes negatively as boring and soulless. The project includes four residential buildings, a sky garden, ground-floor public spaces, and community facilities such as children's play areas, sports amenities, and senior welfare services. The development represents a community-led effort involving over 600 union members and is located near Hangang Park along the Han River.

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