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K E A T I N G

K E A T I N G

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Meritz Headquarters

Immediately adjacent to the Kangnam station on Tehran Road, this new tower already is a commanding presence that is observable from across the river.  Incorporating a programmatic requirement of unique private offices and dining facilities at the top of the building, and efficient clear span floors below, this design derives its skyline presence from the need for these functions.  As a major sky window in the city, the interplay of sunlight and shadows will be a constant visual reference to this building and its owners. 

The Meritz Headquarters has achieved significance in the City and given new identity to the Insurance company for which it is named.  It is located directly above one of the busiest subway stations in Seoul and as such is seen not only on the skyline but equally at the pedestrian level.  With the skyline identity captured by a major sky window, the ground level is planned with a separation between the low rise and high rise elevator banks affording a direct view to the cascading water garden behind the building.  This is further enhanced by the use of special low iron curved glass sections which are held in place by a drape of stainless steel cables in two directions.  This is a first in windowall technology.  .  The water feature also forms the roofline of an auditorium.

The core of the building is located along the eastern wall of the tower providing for a clear open span of 18 meters and unique corner windows.  This highly functional office space that occurs on each level provided a unique difference to the tenant market in Seoul.  As such it is reported that the building leased the fastest in recent history and for the most money, all of which is a very important consideration for the purpose of the office building. 

Clad in black granite and a stainless and low-e glass, the new tower establishes itself as an elegant corporate place of business as well as an important addition to the Kangnam district of the city. 

The relevance of this building is primarily to indicate the lead designers ongoing success in defining efficient, modern and dramatic places of business and offices throughout the world and always meeting the established budgetary constraints.

 
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Status: Built
Location: Seoul, KR
Firm Role: Design
Additional Credits: Shinhan Architects Architect of Record