ODA’s new skyscraper in Seoul has a sculptural rooftop garden

The building will feature a large structural sculpture, resembling a terrarium.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea. Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea. Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea. Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea. Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea. Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea. Image courtesy of ODA.

Founded in New York in 2007 by Eran Chen, ODA has designed a very distinctive skyscraper for Seoul, South Korea.

Located in the Gangnam district, the building houses a breathtaking terrace. However, instead of being on the top floor, the 45th, this suspended garden that gives the project its name – Terrarium Cheong-Dam – is in the middle of the structure, appearing as a large sculptural terrarium. It responds to the city’s desire to expand its public domain while creating a more engaging environment.

The 200-meter-tall skyscraper will host offices and luxury residences, while its spacious two-story base will contain commercial spaces and a private club. Here, too, a garden will emerge, with water features, sculptures, and exhibition spaces, accessible from various entry points. ODA is also constructing a similar skyscraper in Seattle, US.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea.

Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea.

Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea.

Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea.

Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea.

Image courtesy of ODA.

Terrarium Cheong-Dam. Seoul, South Korea.

Image courtesy of ODA.