Invisible Symbol of South Korea

GDS Architects recently announced that it’s 450 meter tall Tower Infinity observation tower designed by Architect Charles Wee, has received Permit approval for construction near Incheon International Airport just outside of Seoul, Korea. GDS in collaboration with Samoo Architects, A&U and structural Engineer King-Le Chang were awarded first prize in a National Design Competition sponsored by Korea Land Housing (LH) to provide Design and Engineering services for the 450 meter tall Observation Tower poised to become Korea’s National Landmark back in April 2011. In addition, GDS Architects won the original International Idea Competition out of 146 entries from 46 countries in December of 2008.

Idea
Positioned as the New Gateway landmark in the dynamic global economy of Northeast Asia, Tower Infinity in the Cheongna area of Incheon, Korea represents the new “Soul” of Korea by celebrating the global community rather than focusing inward on itself.

The design inspiration was based on an introspection of the Korean nation, its people, where we have been and most significantly where we see ourselves headed as a proud nation and how we are perceived in the realm of this global community. In this sense the competition evolved as an opportunity to provide a social commentary and challenge the status quo of all which is finite.

Too often in modern times, the phrase “Landmark Tower” is indicative of a nation’s desire/ego to showcase a level of economic prosperity and technological achievement for others to envy. Rather than fall victim with trying to compete with the great iconographic landmarks of the world or develop another version of the “tallest observation tower”, our heart, minds and motivation were set to represent the Power of Absence and the Strength of “Nothingness” often referred to by Louis Kahn.

In this respect, 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.

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Materials provided by GDS Architects