COEX will undergo exterior remodeling around 2029.
The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) noted on the 14th that it held a judging evaluation committee for the international design competition for the exterior change of the COEX exhibition hall at Studio 159 in Gangnam, Seoul, on the 10th, and selected the design of the UK-based Heatherwick Studio as the final winner.
This competition was designed to position COEX as a representative MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) landmark of Seoul in conjunction with large-scale development projects in the area, such as the construction of the GITC (Gangdong Integrated Transfer Center) and Hyundai Motor's Global Business Center (GBC).
The design by Heatherwick Studio was highly praised for integrating the expertise and creativity exhibited in global mega projects into COEX. The main concept is inspired by a so-called "curiosity cabinet," which collects unique and rare objects. The core idea is to decorate the exterior walls of the exhibition hall with modular boxes of various sizes that contain diverse "MICE programs."
There is a plan to create the ground level of COEX as a "comfortable and open space for everyone to stay," a "space that enables dynamic experiences," and a "vibrant and lively space."
Heatherwick Studio has designed globally recognized buildings, including the "Vessel" in Manhattan, New York, and "Azabudai Hills" in Tokyo, Japan. In Korea, it gained recognition through projects such as the Nodeulseom Project. Founder Thomas Heatherwick pursues artistic sculptural beauty and organic design.
KITA plans to finalize the COEX exterior design through a design integration process with Junglim Architecture, the main design firm for the existing trade center-GITC connection space, based on the winning proposal. The design will be completed in the first half of next year, and after obtaining permits and selecting a construction company, the exterior remodeling of COEX is expected to be completed around 2029.