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a cabinet of curiosities stacked with modules

seoul’s iconic convention center, COEX, is undergoing a major renovation. the project is being led by British design firm Heatherwick Studio, which was selected through an international nominated design competition. the renewal was planned by the Korea International Trade Association (KTIA) in conjunction with the development of the Yeongdong-daero Intermodal Transit Center (GITC) and Hyundai Motor Global Business Center (GBC), and is aimed at transforming COEX into a world-class MICE center.

the competition was evaluated on the basis of design creativity, feasibility, and harmony with the neighborhood, and Heatherwick Studio was selected for its experience and creativity in large-scale projects around the world.The key design concept presented by Heatherwick Studio is ‘Cabinets of Curiosities’. the idea is to transform the exhibition hall from a simple space into a place for a variety of experiences. instead of a traditional glass exterior wall, the space is made up of stacked boxes of various sizes to accommodate multiple functions, including exhibitions, public engagement programs, and conferences. the space aims to be both open and visually appealing so that citizens and tourists can come and go as they please, even when there are no formal events taking place.Heatherwick Studio’s vision is to reimagine the Coex as an open space where anyone can feel at home, a place where dynamic and rich cultural experiences are possible. this modular design approach allows for flexibility in structural changes and reduces the impact on exhibition operations during the construction period. Professor Hae-Sung Jeh, Professor Emeritus of Aju University and chair of the jury, identified sustainability as the most important factor in the renewal. heatherwick Studio aims to lead the way in future green architecture while flexibly accommodating space constraints and architectural standards. reusing materials, enhancing energy efficiency, improving the indoor and outdoor environment, and ensuring the health and comfort of the occupants were prioritized in the design. a look at our past projects reveals a consistent direction

designing for harmony between people and nature

heatherwick Studio is a multidisciplinary design group founded by British designer Thomas Heatherwick that works in a variety of fields, from architecture to urban planning, landscape architecture, and product design. they combine traditional materials with the latest technology to create original structures, with a strong emphasis on environmentally conscious design and recycling of materials. They design architecture to be more than just a structure, but a space that people can experience and feel.Their most recent project is the Vessel in New York. inspired by ancient Indian stepwells, the structure is composed of 2,500 steps and 154 connecting walkways, with a total of 80 observation platforms that allow visitors to view Manhattan and the Hudson River from different perspectives. another example of a public artistic structure that makes the movement of people a key element of its design is Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills. completed in 2023, this large-scale urban redevelopment project was conceived as a “village in the city” and sought to organically connect urban structures with natural elements. Instead of a straight, uniform design, it features soft architectural forms that utilize curves. the project also realizes zero-energy building (ZEB) and actively incorporates renewable energy, including solar, to minimize carbon emissions. as a result, Azabudai Hills is emerging as a sustainable smart city in Tokyo.Heatherwick Studio’s designs can also be found in Korea. the Noddle Island project on the Han River in Seoul is a prime example. this space blurs the boundaries between nature and the city, with the architecture extending into nature. it is characterized by curved walkways and terraced terraces that allow visitors to view the Han River from different heights.The Future of COEX, a Global Hub In 2029, COEX will be renovated and transformed into a complex representing culture and technology in Seoul. while the venue is currently hosting a variety of international exhibitions, fairs, conferences, and seminars, it is expected to become a global hub for a broader range of fields, including K-culture and the cutting-edge IT and tech industries.

a cabinet of curiosities stacked with modules

designing for harmony between people and nature

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