The Grand Prize of Seoul Architecture Awards This Year Goes to Haebangchon 'Cloud'... Separate Citizen Voting Also Conducted

Among a total of 9 award-winning works, the highest vote of 2 points
awarded the 'Citizen Sympathy Special Award'

This year, the grand prize of the ‘Seoul Metropolitan Government Architecture Award (Seoul City Architecture Award)’ was awarded to ‘Cloud’ in Haebangchon. The city plans to conduct an online public vote for the nine award-winning architectural works, including this one, and present the ‘Citizen Sympathy Special Award’.

According to the city on the 29th, the grand prize of the ‘42nd Seoul City Architecture Award’ went to ‘Cloud,’ located at 95-9 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu. It was designed by UIA Architects & Associates and QN Partners Architecture. The city explained, “Thanks to the efforts of the architects and builders, the old and dark traditional market has transformed into a so-called ‘hipster’ street for the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z), recognized as a work enjoyed not only by local merchants but also by overseas tourists.”

The Grand Prize Winner of the 42nd Seoul Architecture Awards, "Cloud (95-9 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)" Photo by Seoul City

The Excellence Award was given to two projects: ‘Gangnam-gu Well-Aging Center (27 Seolleung-ro 108-gil, Gangnam-gu)’ and ‘Odong Forest Library (110-10 Hwarang-ro 13ga-gil, Seongbuk-gu).’ The Gangnam-gu Well-Aging Center, designed by ON Design Architects, was praised for transforming an old parking lot and creating a meticulous spatial composition and detailed operational programs for each limited space. The Odong Forest Library, designed by Unsaengdong Architects, received high marks for its library space naturally connected to the park, serving as a living and cultural hub encompassing citizens’ reading, walking, and community activities.

'42nd Seoul Architecture Award' Grand Prize Winner 'Gangnam-gu Well-Aging Center (27, Seolleung-ro 108-gil, Gangnam-gu)' Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government

'42nd Seoul Architecture Award' Grand Prize Winner 'Odong Forest Library (110-10 Hwarang-ro 13ga-gil, Seongbuk-gu)' Photo by Seoul City

The Merit Award was given to five projects: ‘9-ro Bench’ (Idem Architects), ‘Seogyo-dong Shared Complex Facility’ (Gansam Architects & Associates), ‘Sinsa Square’ (Yerim Architects & Associates), ‘Yeonui Ecology Learning Center’ (Gu Architects), and ‘Wonseo Workshop’ (SIG Architects & Associates). The Jury’s Special Award was given to one project: ‘Gyeongri Stairway’ (Yoap Architects).

The city awards the Seoul City Architecture Award annually to discover outstanding architectural works in Seoul and promote the development of architectural culture and technology. Prior to the selection of the winners on the 24th, an open presentation was held both online and offline. Architects of the nine nominated works explained their projects and answered questions from attendees. A total of 483 people participated, including 300 on-site and 178 via online live streaming.

From the 1st of next month, the city will conduct an online public vote for these nine works using mVoting for one month. The two works with the highest votes will receive the ‘Citizen Sympathy Special Award.’ Voting will be available on the Seoul City mVoting website and mobile web, allowing anyone to vote for their preferred three works without signing up. However, mobile phone verification is required to prevent duplicate voting.

Han Byung-yong, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Housing Office, said, “The Seoul City Architecture Award, celebrating its 42nd anniversary this year, is a prestigious and traditional award. This year, many architectural works that enhance citizens’ quality of life participated. We hope for many recommendations and support for the architects who have contributed to Seoul’s change and development through creative attempts and efforts for the global city of Seoul.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.