Input: 2025.07.20 11:21 | Modified: 2025.07.20 14:46
The Daekyo Apartment Association announced on July 20th that members of the Korea Fire Insurance Association have been selected. The bid also saw participation from the renowned British firm Heatherwick studio and the American group Jerde.
heatherwick Studio, established in 1994 by internationally acclaimed designer Thomas Heatherwick, is recognized for its innovative approach to material usage and sculptural spatial expression, frequently enough described as a studio that blurs the lines between architecture and art. Notable projects include Tokyo azabudai Hills, the new York Vessel, Google’s New Building and Bayview Campus, and the Seoul Nodle Global Art Island Project.
This marks Heatherwick Studio‘s inaugural involvement in a domestic residential facility project through the Daekyo apartment reconstruction. it also signifies the first instance of a South Korean reconstruction association directly partnering with an international design firm for an entire project. Heatherwick Studio will oversee the comprehensive design process, extending beyond mere aesthetic considerations to encompass the user experience (UX) of the high-rise residential facilities.
Thomas Heatherwick stated, “We will be involved from the initial sketch to the final detail,” adding, “We aim to pursue sustainability and design value collaboratively, creating a space that everyone can be proud of.”
Chung Hee-sun, head of the apartment union, commented, “in a landscape where apartment designs are increasingly standardized, collaborating with a global design company possessing artistic vision and creativity is not an option, but a necessity.”
In related news,the union hosted a construction briefing session on July 18th,with seven construction companies in attendance: Samsung C&T,Lotte E&C,GS E&C,DL E&C,POSCO E&C,HDC Hyundai Industrial Development,and Kumho E&C. The deadline for construction company bids is September 2nd. Should no bids be received, the final contractor will be steadfast on October 18th, following two additional joint briefing sessions. /pkram@chosun.com
