[Young journalist Siwon Lee] Apgujeong and Cheongdam, which are core commercial areas in Gangnam District Seoul, are getting noticed again. Apgujeong Galleria Department Store will be transformed based on a design by a world-renowned architectural designer as well as Cheongdam Hotel Prima site being reconstructed as a high-end mixed-use development project. 

On May 13th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that they have approved Hanwha Galleria’s redevelopment project as well as improvement of the station 's influence area in Apgujeong. 

The Galleria Department Store located near Apgujeongrodeo Station is divided into East and West buildings by Seolleung-ro. By this project, the existing structure will be replaced with an eight-story new building that has a sanglass shaped glass façade. 

The blueprint was conducted by the worldwide famous designer Thomas Heatherwick. Based on a symmetrical structure that balances East and West buildings, the design focuses on connecting interior and exterior spaces organically.

Specifically, the integrated underground plaza, mid-level garden, and sky garden will be transformed into not just commercial facilities but Public Complex Cultural Spaces. 

Furthermore, the design will reinforce environmentally friendly aspects as they include solar, fuel, and hydrothermal energy as well as renewable energy system and double skin technique. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is hoping to see effective uses of mitigating Urban Heat Island effect (UHI) and a more sustainable environment. 

The Prima Hotel site development is also getting underway. In the 52-3, Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam-gu, there will be a mixed-use complex that ranges from the 8th basement floor to the 38th floor above ground. 

According to a modification, the building will have 75 hotel rooms, 29 apartment complexes, and 20 officetels. The Seoul Metropolitan Government aims to strengthen the Cheongdam area with tourism, and residential and commercial functions.

The Seoul City official said that “This project is the representative example that both combines design innovation and tourism and cultural functions”. He also said, “will continue to strengthen Seoul’s global competitiveness.”. 

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