MERITZ SECURITIES TOWER
SEOUL, KOREA
Immediately adjacent to the Kangnam station on Tehran Road, this new tower already is a commanding presence that is observable from across the river. Incorporating a programmatic requirement of unique private offices and dining facilities at the top of the building, and efficient clear span floors below, this design derives its skyline presence from the need for these functions. As a major sky window in the city, the interplay of sunlight and shadows will be a constant visual reference to this building and its owners.
The Meritz Headquarters has achieved significance in the City and given new identity to the Insurance company for which it is named. It is located directly above one of the busiest subway stations in Seoul and as such is seen not only on the skyline but equally at the pedestrian level. With the skyline identity captured by a major sky window, the ground level is planned with a separation between the low rise and high rise elevator banks affording a direct view to the cascading water garden behind the building. This is further enhanced by the use of special low iron curved glass sections which are held in place by a drape of stainless steel cables in two directions. This is a first in window wall technology. The water feature also forms the roofline of an auditorium.
Clad in black granite and a stainless and low-e glass, the new tower establishes itself as an elegant corporate place of business as well as an important addition to the Kangnam district of the city.
LOCATION
Seoul, Korea
CLIENT
Meritz Securities
SCOPE
High-Rise
SQ.FT
400,000
STORIES
31
SERVICE
Design Architect
COMPLETION DATE
2003
