The Busan Lotte World Tower, originally designed by SOM and currently under construction, is already set to get a major overhaul. Developers of the multi-purpose 110 story tower and retail center have determined that the original rooftop garden is inadequate for the project, so they've hired Yamasaki Ku Hong Associates Design Lab (YKH) to design an update as a way to amplify the visitor experience.



YKH have created a series of circular lawns and rooftop decks connected by raised circular pathways. The new space, called 'Way-Pod,' will increase the retail area and add multiple ways for visitors to enjoy the rooftop space.



Recently opened, SOM designed, Lotte Department Store Gwangbok branch in Busan, Korea requested Yamasaki Ku Hong Associates Design Lab (YKH) to modify the existing ‘roof garden’ to allow and amplify users to enjoy the spectacular view of Busan Port. Additionally, the client requested us to find a way to increase ‘brand identity’ and ‘sales volume’.



Existing conditions of roof garden with two separate observatories were not efficiently designed and more importantly were not connected; there were a possibility to increase two floors of additional retail area. YKH have come up with a new idea called, ‘Way-Pod’; Way Pod is derived from I-Pod, creating a hardware that could evolve with time. Way-Pod is comprised of ‘Way’ – free of charge, elevated view corridor – and ‘Pod’ – with charge, entertainment hardware for fun, culture and event.

Architect: Yamasaki Ku Hong Associates Design Lab
Location: Nampo-dong, Jung-gu, Busan, Korea
Partner-in-charge: Tae Sun Hong, Won Jin Kim
Project Team: Jeong Yeon Lim, Dong Soo Jang, Ji Hyang Lee, Na Ra Youn
Program: Roof Garden, Observatory, Museum, Retail
Building Area: 19,835 sqm
Total Floor Area: 29,752 sqm

Yamasaki Ku Hong Associates Design Lab