A fresh vision for South Korean living by Heatherwick Studio
In a groundbreaking move for Seoul, Heatherwick Studio has unveiled its plans to transform the aging Daegyo Apartments in Yeouido, near the scenic Hangang Park. At a General Assembly meeting on February 28, 2026, Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, unveiled the design to an eagerly awaiting Residents’ Union.
The ambitious redevelopment will replace 576 existing units—originally completed in 1975—with approximately 900 new residences across four distinctive towers, a sky garden, and a generously spaced ground floor accessible to both residents and the public.
Drawing inspiration from the flowing silhouettes of Seoul’s surrounding mountains, the new buildings will stand in sharp contrast to the city’s typical high-rise residences. The renovation will also enhance community life with sports facilities, children’s play areas, and senior citizen welfare services.
Community at its core
The development will truly shine at ground level, featuring elements like subterranean courtyards, shaded walkways, and terraced gardens. These features aim to shield residents from city traffic while providing tranquil, green spaces. “We’re excited about how this development will improve the daily lives of residents,” said Ms. Heesun Chung, Chairperson of the Yeouido Daegyo Apartment Redevelopment Association. “This vision reflects the contributions of more than 600 union members,” she added.
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“We hope Daegyo becomes a significant chapter in Heatherwick Studio’s residential work in Korea—a place that lasts and is loved for generations,” Chung said.
Breaking away from monotony
Stuart Wood, Executive Partner at Heatherwick Studio, emphasized the project’s potential to redefine apartment living in Seoul: “We want this design to spark a fundamental rethink of how apartment living should look, feel, and support everyday life. For too long, residents have accepted endless repetitions of anonymous high-rise blocks.” The studio’s design approach reflects the sentiment from a recent Humanise Campaign study, which found that 97% of 1,000 surveyed residents criticized current apartment buildings for being soulless and monotonous.
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This project continues Heatherwick Studio’s portfolio in South Korea, which includes redesigns for Seoul’s CoEx Convention Centre, Hanwha Galleria, and Nodeul Island. These efforts underscore a wider commitment to creating living environments that are both sustainable and emotionally engaging.
The studio also notably directed the fifth Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, which set new attendance records with 811,000 visitors in 2025. The renderings of the Daegyo Apartments have been conceptualized by Devisual, adding a visual element that resonates with Heatherwick’s soulful design philosophy.
Sources & Links
Source: worldarchitecture.org