Seoul Adds New Sites to Architectural Design Innovation Project... Leading K-Architecture Innovation

Urban Platanus and Others Newly Selected
Benefits Include Relaxed Building Coverage Ratio and Project Consulting

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on January 13 that it has additionally designated the 'Urban Platanus' tourist accommodation facility in Hyoje-dong, Jongno-gu, and the 'Neo Platform' mixed-use development project in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, as new targets for the Urban Architectural Design Innovation Project.

The Urban Architectural Design Innovation Project provides benefits such as relaxed floor area ratio and building coverage ratio regulations, expedited administrative support, and project implementation consulting to buildings that apply creative and innovative architectural designs. Including the two newly added sites, the project is now being implemented at a total of 20 locations.

An artist's rendering of 'Urban Platanus' in Jongno-gu. Provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government

Urban Platanus features a newly designed open space with wooden structures on its lower floors, reconnecting previously isolated areas within the city center. It also reinterprets traditional Korean curves in a modern architectural structure. The lower floors will house public facilities such as an event plaza, transforming the space into a place where citizens can enjoy relaxation and leisure within the city.

Neo Platform is positioned as a core hub of the AI Special Zone, with a focus on creating a three-dimensional, mixed-use urban space that harmonizes advanced technology and nature. The lower floors will feature permanent exhibition and experience spaces related to AI, while the top floor of the main tower will house a garden-style indoor observatory offering panoramic views of Seoul.

Neo Platform in Seocho District, artist's rendering. Provided by Seoul City

To further promote the Urban Architectural Design Innovation Project, the city plans to streamline and expedite project procedures starting this year, while firmly securing the public nature of citizen spaces and improving related systems. The application process, previously held once or twice a year, will be switched to rolling submissions, allowing private developers to participate flexibly according to their own project schedules.

Additionally, detailed operational guidelines will be distributed to inform developers in advance of considerations for each project stage, thereby enhancing predictability. To prevent the original design intent from being compromised during construction, the city will also expand the application of the 'design intent implementation' system, ensuring that designers participate throughout the entire construction process.

Kim Yonghak, Director of Future Space Planning at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "We will lower the barriers to participation so that creative proposals from the private sector can be incorporated into policy at any time, while further strengthening the management of public spaces to maintain innovative designs. Our goal is to realize 'spatial welfare' that allows citizens to enjoy emotionally resonant and creative spaces in their daily lives, and to transform Seoul into a world-class 'K-Architecture Exhibition Hall.'"