Federation of Korean Industries
At more than 240 meters, the new head office building for the Federation of Korean Industries will be a major new addition to the skyline of Seoul, South Korea. AS+GG won an international competition to design the tower in 2009.
This highly sustainable project will feature an innovative exterior wall designed specifically for FKI. The building skin is designed to help reduce the internal heating and cooling loads of the tower and collect energy by integrating photovoltaic panels into the spandrel areas of the southwest and northwest facades, which receive a significant amount of direct sunlight per day.
By angling the spandrel panels 30 degrees upward toward the sun, the design team maximized the amount of energy collected, generating enough power to help maintain the electrical systems throughout the tower core and the office space. Just below the spandrel panels, the vision panels are angled 15 degrees downward toward the ground, minimizing the amount of direct sun radiation and glare. Together, the alternating spandrel and vision panels create a dynamically rippled façade that is both environmentally progressive and visually striking, giving the tower a unique architectural presence on the skyline.
The tower includes copious garden space and abundant natural light, with an aim to augment the workplace environment and facilitate a high quality of life for building tenants. The building features strong views of neighboring Yeoido Park, the Han River and the city. The sculptural podium piece is located on central Yeoi-Dae-Ro Avenue, further promoting the tower’s public identity. The podium amenities include a banquet hall, central restaurant and conference center.
AS+GG is collaborating with the engineering firms Thornton Tomasetti and Environmental Systems Design, as well as the local firm Chang-Jo Architects, on the project.
The Federation of Korean Industries represents major Korean companies such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai Motors. The new head office building broke ground in 2010 and is currently under construction, with completion slated for 2013.
