Heatherwick Studio has been selected as the winner of the competition to reimagine the Coex convention center in Seoul.
In collaboration with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the design will transform the existing generic glass structure into a vibrant gathering space that reflects the spirit of the city.
Heatherwick Studio’s vision for Coex
Heatherwick Studio’s winning design introduces an innovative concept inspired by the idea of a cabinet of curiosities, turning the convention center into a destination to explore and a reason to visit even when not attending a formal event.
The design features modular boxes of varying sizes stacked along the exterior, serving as dynamic spaces for exhibitions, public engagement, and conference functions. The goal is to maximize material reuse to create a new façade that is open, engaging, and unmissable—moving away from the fortress-like appearance of the current structure.
“Ironically for places that bring people together, most convention centers feel imposing and uninviting and are often devoid of public activity,” says Stuart Wood, executive partner and group leader at Heatherwick Studio. “Our design will radically reinvent Coex to become a new cultural destination for the city of Seoul that attracts both locals and visitors alike.”
“Varied and unusual, our ‘display case’ design offers endless potential to curate art, performance, dining, entertainment, nature, and is a true representation of Seoul’s creative power,” Wood continues. “We want Coex to become an irresistible place that is open, dynamic, and always culturally relevant.”
For visitors and locals alike
Beyond its aesthetic transformation, the project aims to integrate the building into its surrounding area. The ground floor will be reimagined as a public space, offering a mix of activities that encourage both visitors and locals to stay and explore. This new public realm will connect with the adjacent park, providing the Gangnam community with a vibrant gathering space.
On the upper levels, indoor and outdoor spaces will support official events while offering public access to a sky garden and viewing deck with expansive views of Seoul and the Han River.
Slated for completion in 2029, the Coex project adds to Heatherwick Studio’s growing portfolio in South Korea, which includes the reimagination of Nodeul Island on the Han River and a new vision for Hanwha Galleria in Gangnam.
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