Samsung C&T teams up with Foster+Partners for Seongsu District 3 redevelopment

British firm designed Hong Kong HSBC HQ, Apple Park

Second consecutive collaboration after Apgujeong District 4

Samsung C&T officials and Foster+Partners representatives visit the Seongsu District 3 site. [Samsung C&T]

Samsung C&T announced Thursday it will collaborate with British architecture firm Foster+Partners on the Seongsu District 3 redevelopment project in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, aiming to create a high-end landmark for northern Seoul.

Seongsu District 3 is a key Han River waterfront renewal project covering 114,193 square meters in the Seongsu-dong 2-ga area of Seongdong-gu. The site combines natural surroundings — with direct access to the Han River and Seoul Forest — with the cultural and commercial infrastructure of Seongsu-dong, and is widely regarded as a flagship project that will reshape residential standards and the urban skyline along the Han River.

The Seongsu Strategic Renewal Zone, spanning Districts 1 through 4, is set to be transformed into a complex of 9,428 units with a floor-area ratio of 300 percent — or 500 percent in quasi-residential zones. Height restrictions have been eased to allow buildings up to 250 meters, making apartments as tall as 70 stories possible.

Samsung C&T had already worked with Foster+Partners to secure the Apgujeong District 4 reconstruction contract, for which it was recently selected as contractor. The company plans to deepen that partnership for Seongsu District 3, aiming to deliver a distinctive landmark design.

Foster+Partners has built its global reputation designing some of the world's most iconic structures, including Apple Park in Cupertino, California; London City Hall; the HSBC headquarters in Hong Kong; and ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai.

Samsung C&T recently visited the Seongsu District 3 site with key members of the Foster+Partners design team, including design principal Patrick Campbell, to assess the location, views and surrounding environment and to discuss the best approach to the design.

An aerial view of the Seongsu District 3 site. [Samsung C&T]

For the Seongsu District 3 redevelopment, the two firms have agreed to go beyond exterior design and collaborate from the earliest stages of schematic design, which will determine the spatial layout of the entire complex. They plan a comprehensive review of structural safety requirements for a supertall riverside complex reaching up to 250 meters, alongside Han River views, natural light and privacy considerations, with the goal of delivering a design that maximizes both architectural distinction and interior efficiency.

One particular challenge is that the site's Han River frontage spans only about 250 meters — relatively short for a development of this scale. To address that constraint, the two firms plan to apply precision view-optimization solutions so that all unit owners can enjoy quality Han River views.

The development will also feature deck-style landscaping connecting naturally to a waterfront cultural park planned above the Gangbyeonbuk-ro expressway, along with Han River-view community facilities, creating a multi-layered residential complex where urban life and nature coexist.

"Seongsu District 3 is a core renewal site in Seoul where natural assets — the Han River and Seoul Forest — meet the cultural value of Seongsu-dong and strong future growth potential," said Lim Cheol-jin, head of Samsung C&T's residential sales division. "We will bring together both firms' world-class supertall design capabilities, technology and differentiated residential products to create the finest landmark in Seongsu-dong."

hss@heraldcorp.com