Arup’s ‘High Rise Hanok’ – where tradition meets tomorrow at the Seoul Biennale

This creation reinterprets the essence of traditional Korean Hanok architecture for the contemporary city, exemplifying Arup’s commitment to innovative, human-centred design.

The ‘High Rise Hanok’ installation reimagines the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of Hanok architecture for a modern urban context. Developed through a holistic design approach, the project demonstrates how cultural heritage and forward-thinking design can come together to shape better cities.

Drawing on the spatial and material qualities of the traditional Hanok, the installation integrates these elements into a vertical, urban environment. The canopy, originally conceived as a 3D-printed ceramic structure, was realised in sustainable wood – paying homage to the Korean roof while embracing local craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.

The design also features patterns inspired by Jogakbo textiles, the curving tiled eaves of Hanok, and stone plinths reinterpreted as structural beams. These details blend tradition with contemporary expression, illustrating how modern technology and a human-centred approach can create emotionally resonant, regenerative urban spaces.