Carlo Ratti Lifts Seoul Tower on 'High Heels' to Make Room for Water, Trees and Public Life
In collaboration with South Korean construction company GS E&C, CRA–Carlo Ratti Associati has introduced a design for a residential tower in Seoul, reaching 140 meters in height and supported by slender structural columns. Named 'A High Rise on High Heels,' this innovative proposal replaces the conventional podium with an open landscape that effectively manages stormwater, retains existing trees, and introduces new public areas. Utilizing 'sponge city' concepts, the design aims to absorb stormwater on-site, enhancing climate resilience. The elevated ground allows for gardens, dining spots, tea houses, and urban farming to flourish beneath and around the structure. Additionally, refuge floors, mandated every 30 stories by South Korean law, are reimagined as communal terraces filled with greenery. The building's facade varies by direction: south-facing sides incorporate photovoltaic panels, while vertical louvers on the east and west facades help reduce solar gain, promoting improved environmental performance through passive design strategies.
Key facts
- CRA–Carlo Ratti Associati and GS E&C propose a 140-meter residential tower in Seoul.
- The tower is lifted on slender structural columns, creating open space below.
- The design replaces the podium with a permeable landscape for stormwater management.
- It follows 'sponge city' principles to slow and absorb stormwater on-site.
- Existing trees are preserved, and new public space is created.
- Community amenities include dining spaces, tea houses, and urban farming areas.
- Refuge floors are repurposed as planted communal terraces.
- Facade orientation dictates use of photovoltaic panels and vertical louvers.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- CRA–Carlo Ratti Associati
- GS E&C
- designboom
- CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati
- MIT
- Politecnico di Milano
- La Biennale di Venezia
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Turin
- Singapore
- Shenzhen
- Belém
- Venice