Established in 1990, HAEAHN Architecture is a pioneering architectural design firm that has set new standards worldwide. Based in Seoul, South Korea the practice has grown leaps and bounds over the years of its immaculate vision that serves its intent of “WHY DO WE DESIGN”. The team of 1300+ employees strive to deliver continuous innovation through every project serving a broad range of design solutions, including Architectural, PCM, Urban Planning, Landscape and Green design making it an inspirational brand towering in the market with value and perfection.
History
In its initial years, HAEAHN Architecture built a strong foundation by establishing itself as a licensed firm with promising design projects followed by being certified as a Construction Administration Company in the 2000’s. The next decade for the firm was crucial in embarking its strong presence in the market when it consecutively added feathers to its cap by expanding as an affiliated research institute, getting appointed as a subsidiary military substitution firm, being licensed as an overseas construction business firm followed by establishing H Associates in New York USA and getting certified as an Electric Technology administration firm. This process demonstrated the team’s dedication and passion towards identifying gaps and working towards innovative development strategies which adds value to the company.
The commitment to continuity and betterment made it indomitable. Today HAEAHN Architecture is a popular name in the field of Architecture with overseas cooperation in Georgia and Saudi Arabia along with branch offices in Iraq and Vietnam that is a one-stop solution to engineering, design, firefighting facility design and construction supervision.
Crafting a brand identity
The firm’s trailblazing projects portray its unapologetic and gallant approaches to architecture and design breaking conventional theories and reinstating a fresh prototype of Korean mixed-use buildings and street-type shopping malls that cater to socio-cultural interactions and exchange. These models were based highly on standards of convenience and balance between work and life. The idea of incorporating rental and residential typologies in high-density configurations was a breakthrough in its time. The Cheongju G-well city in Chungbuk, Korea is one such project by the firm executed in 2010 which exemplifies redevelopment, mixed-use with strategic expansion from building to city scale alongside catalyzing urban revitalization.
During the transitional period of the early 21st century, HAEAHN Architecture participated in the ‘Youngsan Station Area Master Plan’ in association with Youngsan Rapid Railway Station Development and created a multi-faced city concept accommodating the train depot, upper deck parks and road networks capsuled as a new sub- centre of Seoul. These approaches initiated design dialogues for future design prospects making room for new realms of design by combining Architecture, landscape design and urban design.
The belief in adapting to complex times is always reflected in the firm’s work manifested through architecture. HAEAHN Architecture has actively contributed to designing noteworthy projects delving into the concept of health and research beyond artistic admiration. The firm’s R&D planning team has also led projects like the “Next Generation Fusion Technology Institute” in Gwangkyo and the “Microwave Photon Beam Research Complex” at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in addition to Osong Bio-Health Technopolis National Research Institute that aided to developing Disease Control Headquarters.
Integrating Visionary Strategies to Improve Competencies
HAEAHN further showcases the harmonious integration of authentic contemporary aesthetics with sustainability. To achieve perfection and finesse, accomplished professionals are indulged in upskilling their craft in the form of technological advancements cutting-edge design features and diverse spaces as a result of which are remarkable projects like the Shanghai Expo Korea Business Pavilion and the Floating Island at Han River which are a symbiosis of Architecture and Nature.
Recognitions and Achievements
The practice is honoured with several prestigious awards including the 2023 Seoul Metropolitan Government Construction Award, the 2023 Korea Ecological Architecture and Environment Awards Grand Prize, the 2023 Architizer A+Awards, the 2022 Gyeonggi-do Architecture Culture Award, the 2022 Daejeon Architecture Award and many more. The WAN-Award-winning design for the “KEPCO Headquarters” was hailed as an exceptional proposal that utilized ‘Passive Design’ environmental technologies to shape the building mass, creating a unique architectural sculpture. While the project will not be constructed, the proposal demonstrates HAEAHN’s core ambition and deep expertise in achieving truly sustainable architecture revolutionizing generic trends in the field of architecture and design.
HAEAHN Architecture strives to create cities and buildings that adapt to evolving global and local environments. Through diverse perspectives and approaches, the firm continuously challenges norms and generates new value which resonates with the needs of the future. Their ideology of steadfast and liberal perspectives is remarkable. Driven by core values and continuous innovation, HAEAHN Architecture leads the way in the global architectural arena inspiring the fraternity.
Reference:
- Haeahn.com. (2022). History | ABOUT | HAEAHN Architecture. [online] Available at: http://www.haeahn.com/en/about/history.do [Accessed 12 Jan. 2025].
- https://architizer.com/firms/haeahn-architecture (2015). HAEAHN Architecture. [online] Architizer. Available at: https://architizer.com/firms/haeahn-architecture/ [Accessed 12 Jan. 2025].
- ArchDaily. (2020). Gallery of National Aviation Museum of Korea / Haeahn Architecture – 15. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/978246/national-aviation-museum-of-korea-haeahn-architecture/6229da2cbea5d001663aca78-national-aviation-museum-of-korea-haeahn-architecture-photo?next_project=no [Accessed 12 Jan. 2025].
- ArchDaily. (2012). Seoul Floating Islands / Haeahn Architecture & H Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/252931/seoul-floating-islands-haeahn-architecture-h-architecture.
- Magazine, A.W. (2023). National Assembly Communication Building of South Korea won the 2023 Architizer A+Awards designed by Haeahn Architecture + H Architecture. [online] ADF Web Magazine. Available at: https://www.adfwebmagazine.jp/en/architect/national-assembly-communication-building-of-south-korea-won-2023-architizer-awards-designed-by-haeahn-architecture-h-architecture/# [Accessed 12 Jan. 2025].
