Save this picture! image by dbox branding & creative for KPF

Construction of the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea designed by high-rise architectural firm KPF is well underway. Won via an international design competition, this new tower will rise up to a pinnacle height of 555 meters. Organized around a mixed-use program including retail, office, hotel and an observation deck at the peak, the tower pulls inspiration from historical Korean arts of ceramics, porcelain, and calligraphy. More details after the break.

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Starting from the base, the first nine floors are dedicated to retail taking advantage of the large floorplate area. Floors 11 to 47 are dedicated to office space, floors 52 to 75 house “officetel” space, and floors 80 to 109 earmarked to contain a 7-star luxury hotel. The remaining upper floors of the 123-story tower are allotted for public use and entertainment facilities, which include the observation deck and rooftop café.

Save this picture! image by dbox branding & creative for KPF

The tapering form, inspired by Korean artistry gently reaches its apex through extension of the curtain wall system that rises above the highest occupiable roof. The rhythmic nature of the white lacquered vertical mullion system is carried upwards to the zenith of the bisected crown which is accented by two seams that run up along opposing corners – a subtle gesture towards the old city center.

Structural systems employed within the tower include a concrete core surrounded by 8 concrete supercolumns resting on a concrete mat which are tied back to the core via steel outrigger trusses. Further stiffening the tower and resisting lateral loading are several belt trusses that typically occur at position of programming transition, and also serve as areas to house mechanical equipment. The uppermost portion of the structure – the pinnacle – is expressed through a steel diagrid frame that can be seen the through the translucency of the curtain wall.

KPF and building owners Lotte Moolsan Group are aiming for LEED Gold accreditation. Thus, various proactive strategies are being integrated into the design, namely, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, external shading devices, and water harvesting systems. A light colored silver glass completes the external high performance envelope.

Slated to top out in 2014 as one of Asia’s tallest supertalls, the project has already received recognition in the form of a Commendation by the MIPIM Future Awards.