DSS HEADQUARTERS

Designed to be built in the CBD of Seoul, the Daishin Securities’ new headquarters proposal by H Architecture is a prominent yet discreet tower for one of Korea’s largest investment companies. Amongst a burgeoning financial district populated by some of Seoul’s newest and most modern buildings, the 50,822m2 Daishin Securities Headquarters (DSS) strives to be distinguished yet sensitive to the historic neighborhood of Downtown Seoul.

The design concept translates the security of a finance corporation into an image of solidity and steadfastness. The building was conceived as a monumental rock, a fortress and symbol of security. Maintaining simple lines and massing, the facade is articulated and divided to reflect the small scale of the historic context of Myeongdong, one of the most active shopping and entertainment districts of Seoul. Also affecting the design scale is the Myeongdong Cathedral, which is directly southwest of the DSS site. In a way to respect this significant cultural landmark, lines of the DSS Headquarters divide the facade into a more intimate scale. An open public park lies to the south of the site, which H has designed to reflect the old roads of Myeongdong and the paths of pedestrian movement. This outdoor space extends into the lobby of the DSS Headquarters, allowing for a view toward Myeongdong as well as providing a means for sunlight to penetrate the sub-levels of the building.

The lobby area is an important exchange zone, incorporating basement levels for restaurants and stores, and further connecting to a larger network of underground markets in Myeongdong. The southernmost edge of the building integrates an escalator for direct access to the sub-levels, and the glass floor that transmits daylight to illuminate these below spaces without losing the area needed for the main level lobby. This edge, facing the public plaza, also blends the outdoors into the indoors, creating an infinite lobby space. The top floor of DSS is a restaurant that allows 360-degree views of landmarks of Seoul including Nam Mountain. The soaring 30-foot ceiling of the restaurant, echoing the inverse volume of the mountain, is composed of undulating pixels and becomes a unique surface that is visible from the streets below.