Heatherwick Studio has unveiled a breathtaking new design for Hanwha Galleria, one of Seoul‘s most iconic shopping centers. Located in the heart of the Apgujeong-dong neighborhood, this stunning rippled hourglass-shaped complex is set to become a beacon for those seeking a unique retail experience. With its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, Hanwha Galleria is poised to affirm South Korea‘s growing influence as a global cultural powerhouse.
At the heart of the project is a bold reimagining of the traditional department store. Rather than being inward-facing, the new Hanwha Galleria is designed to be a vibrant, inclusive space that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding streets. The studio’s vision is to create a gateway that not only draws people together but also provides Seoulites with new garden-like spaces to meet, shop, and enjoy their city. As Neil Hubbard, partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio, explains, “Traditionally, department stores are quite inward-facing, seeming closed off to the surrounding streets. But here we have a major intersection in Apgujeong with two buildings, east and west, which seemed like an opportunity to bring people together.”
More Read
The Galleria’s design is characterized by two symmetrically opposed twin buildings, each with a distinctive rippled hourglass shape. The narrower sections of the buildings serve as nature-filled public spaces, while the wider sections are home to a dazzling array of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can ascend from the redesigned subway entrance into airy, light-filled atria that lead to landscaped plazas on the ground level. From there, they can journey to an open mid-level garden filled with even more attractions. The plant-filled rooftops offer additional green spaces, providing varied viewpoints and reflections of the city.
One of the most striking features of the new Hanwha Galleria is its crystalline glass exterior. During the day, the glass imparts a sense of softness, while at night, it transforms into a vibrant backdrop for glowing projections. The double-layered skin of the buildings not only enhances sustainability but also provides a platform for art exhibitions and events.
The project is part of a larger initiative by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to revitalize the Han Riverbanks. With its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, Hanwha Galleria is set to become a beacon for those seeking a unique retail experience. As Thomas Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio, prepares to take on the role of General Director of the fifth edition of the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism in 2025, it’s clear that this project is just the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s cultural evolution.
