Seoul Skyscraper Series: Cross # Towers

What do you think of when you see the # symbol? It reminds me of both my childhood and my job. Confused?

As a kid, I loved playing piano. It truly was a magnificent moment when the sounds coming from the instrument stopped being just noise and became (beautiful?) music. Everything was great until I met my number one enemy. The sharp #. Somehow it took all the joy out of the piano.

I continued to cringe at the sight of the # until I fell in love with Twitter. I started using hashtags (#KoreanTech) all the time and am always pleased when I can create one that catches on.

Now a designer has taken the # as the inspiration for a new building set to go up in Seoul.

Photo Credit: BIG architects

This creative idea comes from Danish architectural firm BIG. The Cross # Towers will be built in the new Yongsan Business District and Bjarke Ingels, founding partner of BIG, expects this building to “Signal a radical departure from the crude repetition of disconnected towers towards a new urban community.”

Photo Credit: BIG architects

The building design is unique and the structure itself has a special meaning. BIG hopes that this unusual structure will encourage residents to socialize as the upper level will have open spaces for kids to play, alongside gardens where adults can meet. For residents who’ve produced neither children nor plants, the building also houses a library and a gallery space.

Photo Credit: BIG architects

Photo Credit: BIG architects

The design also ensures that all apartments receive optimal sunlight and can enjoy a magnificent city view. Sunlight and skylines aren’t just for the penthouse.

Photo: MIR/Rex Features