ZHA weaves floating indoor and outdoor spaces for sejong cultural hub proposal

ZHA was shortlisted in 2nd Sejong Cultural Centre competition

Zaha Hadid Architecture (ZHA)‘s proposal for the 2nd Sejong Cultural Centre competition blends nature with contemporary architecture, creating a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Seoul. The scheme seamlessly weaves indoor and outdoor spaces enveloped by the surrounding greenery, paying tribute to the city’s history and its promising future. Situated between the Yeouido Park and the Han River, the project offers the local community new public plazas, gardens, meadows, glades, organic terraces and ponds, design elements that draw from traditional Korean garden design, empasizing the symbiotic relationship between humans and the environment. 

all images Tegmark

stepping inside Sejong Cultural Centre

The architects opted for a network of floating interconnected spaces that gently ascents to a roofgarden, providing panoramic views of Seoul and its historic River. Inside, there are glazed rehearsal rooms, exhibition halls, and two performing arts theaters, designed to host a wide range of performances by local and international artists.

The highlight of ZHA’s design is a 150-meter-long indoor public sky-deck, offering sweeping views of the river and the city. It connects to a community area, educational center, restaurant, and lounge, all designed to take advantage of the cityscape. On the ground floor, a smooth transition extends from Yeouido Park, passing through the central exhibition gallery, leading to the sculpture garden, and further on to the newly introduced riverside amphitheater. This amphitheater is set against the waterfront and provides a venue for open-air performances and concerts. All in all, the project promises to be a vibrant cultural landmark, fostering interaction between people of all ages, all the while creating a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

the building gently rises to a roofgarden, offering sweeping panoramas of Seoul and its historic river

glazed rehearsal rooms float within a vast exhibition hall

project info:

name: 2nd Sejong Cultural Centre

architecture + interiors: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) | @zahahadidarchitects

landscape: ULD Studio Co. Ltd

ZHA design principal: Patrik Schumacher
ZHA project director: Viviana Muscettola
ZHA project senior associates: Hee Seung Lee, Arya Safavi
ZHA project architects: Davide Del Giudice, Luca Ruggeri
ZHA project team: Daniel Coley, Ashwanth Govindaraji, Maria Lagging, Jose Eduardo Navarrete Deza, Yooyeon Noh, Angelica Videla
location: Seoul, Korea
visuals: Tegmark