GDS Architects Wins Cheongna City Tower Competition

GDS Architects recently was awarded first prize in an International Design Competition sponsored by Korea Land Company that attracted over 146 entries from 46 countries for Korea's Main Gateway Landmark, located in IFEZ Incheon (previously on Bustler).

The architectural firm designed a 450 meter (1476 feet) tall observation tower and cultural village with a performance center, indoor water park, kids town, retail, museum, sports and fitness center. The project will serve as the cultural hub and centerpiece for the largest new town development currently underway in Korea.

Charles Wee, AIA, GDS Principal says "Instead of symbolizing prominence as another of the world's tallest and best towers, Tower Infinity sets itself apart by celebrating the global community rather than focusing on itself." Envisioned as a National Landmark for Korea, Tower Infinity is paradoxically strengthened in its absence and in this void we find the presence of hope for humanity as it struggles with confidence and humility.
 
The landmark will boast the second highest observation deck in the world and stands to become the world's first "invisible tower" through the use of a sophisticated skin system with optical cameras that capture the views from the opposite wall and the ability to project those images on each part of the skin, creating the illusion of making the tower invisible.  The upper level observation deck at 392 meters high, will allow visitors on a clear day to see its northern neighbor, Gaeseong, North Korea

The Korea Land Corporation plans groundbreaking in 2010 and project completion by 2013, based on GDS' winning entry.

The GDS design team includes Charles Wee, Scott Callihan, Michael Collins, Seonghee Kim, Brandon Sakuma and Humberto Barraza, Juneui Yu and Soobok Park (USA) Jae Young Jang, Goon Bo Hyun, Soobok Park, Sang Joon Park, Juneui Yu (Korea)
Structural Engineer: King-Le Chang of KLC Taiwan.