AMC Headquarters Tower

Urban Context, Commercial Development and Public Space

The AMC headquarters tower reflects the purpose and context of commercial development in the rapidly changing urban environment of Gangnam. It aimed to maximize commercial purposes while simultaneously securing open spaces seamlessly connected to the urban fabric. Located in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, between Eonju subway station and the intersection of Gyeongbok apartments, the site is surrounded by various medium-sized buildings, including hospitals, offices, hotels, commercial and residential complexes, loosely clustered together. The L-shaped project site is directly adjacent to the commercial building at the corner. By separating the vehicle entryway on Bongeunsa-ro 34-gil, a secondary road, the façade of the new headquarter tower could be fully dedicated to pedestrians. 8m setback is applied to maximize open public space, creating an unusual scale of open space which hardly be found on Bongeunsa-ro. Such a unique open space is perceived by pedestrians as more prominent than the architecture itself. The open space on North side facing Bongeunsa-ro, featuring landscaping and benches to offer people a place to rest and interact, while guiding pedestrian flow towards the tower.