Foster + Partners, the renowned international architecture firm, has revealed its comprehensive design proposal for IOTA Seoul I, an ambitious mixed-use development project set to transform a significant portion of central Seoul, South Korea. The proposed development would occupy a prime location between Seoul Station and Namsan, strategically positioned near the 270-meter-high peak in the Jung-gu district in the south-central area of the city.
The architects have emphasized the historical importance of the chosen site, describing it as a landmark location that has served as one of Seoul's primary gateways for travelers arriving by train. This strategic positioning underscores the project's potential to become a major urban focal point that bridges transportation infrastructure with the city's natural landmarks.
According to Luke Fox of Foster + Partners, the project's primary objective is to create a seamless extension of the Namsan Park experience into the new urban development. The design philosophy centers on dedicating 40 percent of the entire site to public use, including the creation of a substantial central park. This approach envisions the new buildings being surrounded by expansive green community spaces, effectively establishing what the architects describe as a "green oasis in the heart of the city."
The comprehensive proposal encompasses three distinct buildings designed to serve different urban functions: a luxury hotel, a 34-story office tower, and a specialized tourism center that will be constructed adjacent to the hotel. Each structure has been carefully planned to integrate with the overall green oasis concept, incorporating innovative features such as pocket gardens, extensively landscaped terraces, and accessible rooftop spaces designed specifically for pedestrian use and enjoyment.
The development's design thoughtfully addresses the site's natural topography through the implementation of new pedestrian circulation routes featuring strategically placed stairs and escalators. These accessibility features are specifically designed to facilitate smooth pedestrian flow from Seoul Station and Toegye-ro Street, ensuring the development remains well-connected to the surrounding urban fabric.
Preserving both visual and physical connections with the iconic Namsan peak has been established as a central design priority throughout the planning process. The strategic spacing between the hotel and office tower has been carefully calculated to maintain clear, unobstructed sightlines from the elevated Seoullo 7017 walkway to Namsan peak and the distinctive N Seoul Tower. The office tower itself will feature a panoramic rooftop garden offering spectacular city views, supported by an advanced structural system that allows for impressive 18-meter column-free spans, creating highly flexible open-plan interior spaces.
From a heritage preservation perspective, the project demonstrates sensitivity to existing structures while embracing sustainable innovation. The hotel design incorporates and preserves the lobby of a former hotel designed by architect Kim Jong-sung, showing respect for the site's architectural history. Additionally, the new buildings' façades and rooftops will extensively incorporate photovoltaic panels, which are projected to generate approximately 47 percent of the development's total operational energy requirements.
The sustainability features extend beyond solar energy, with comprehensive plans including ground-source heating and cooling systems alongside cutting-edge fuel cell technology. These environmental considerations align with Seoul's broader urban sustainability goals and demonstrate Foster + Partners' commitment to responsible development practices.
This Seoul project represents part of Foster + Partners' continued international expansion and innovation in mixed-use development design. The firm's other recent notable works include the successful completion of Manchester United's men's first-team building modernization at the Carrington Training Complex in England, and the recent release of new conceptual images for a proposed Retail Plaza on the northern bank of Istanbul's Golden Horn in Turkey, showcasing the firm's diverse global portfolio.
