'Coffee Drive-Thru' in Gloomy Apartment Basements... Lotte E&C's Innovation with Hotel-Grade Lounges

From Vehicle-Centered Spaces
to People-Oriented Welcoming Areas

Lotte Engineering & Construction is transforming the traditionally dark and desolate underground apartment parking lots into vibrant cultural complexes that combine hotel-grade lounges with state-of-the-art amenities.

On January 12, Lotte Engineering & Construction announced, "We plan to apply 'LIVEGROUND,' a specialized underground space design jointly developed with the architectural design studio INTG, to future projects we win." The company also stated, "We are considering introducing it to the Seongsu District 4 redevelopment project." INTG has previously participated in high-end architectural designs, including Brighton Hannam.

Drive-thru 'Park and Ride' rendering. Lotte Engineering & Construction

LIVEGROUND is a design concept that transforms underground apartment parking areas, previously limited to parking functions, into resident convenience facilities.

The most distinctive feature is the 'Park and Ride' space, which breaks down the boundary between underground and ground levels. Located next to the parking lot entrance, the 'Park and Ride' is a multi-purpose facility that connects a ground-level lounge with an underground cafe. The underground cafe also offers a drive-thru service, allowing drivers to receive coffee without leaving their cars.

At the entrance to the parking lot, the 'Welcome Concourse' allows residents to park their cars and have a robot transport their belongings to the community facilities. This area features a sunken structure with a ceiling open to the ground, and uses glass walls instead of concrete to maximize natural light and create a sense of openness.

As a result, the underground spaces of apartments, traditionally focused on vehicle access, are being revitalized and transformed into lively, welcoming areas. The Welcome Concourse was selected as an Excellent Design in the Space & Environment category at last year's Good Design Award.

'Welcome Concourse' Perspective View. Lotte Construction

A representative from Lotte Engineering & Construction stated, "We aimed to overcome the closed-off and disconnected nature of underground parking lots, which have traditionally been spaces focused solely on vehicle parking." The representative added, "We expect LIVEGROUND will go beyond the conventional concept of parking areas to become a bright, pleasant, and people-centered welcoming space."