The international ideas competition was launched by the Organising Committee for the Creation of the Seoul Performing Arts Centre in order to gain inspiration for the venue’s architectural design.
In conformity with the UNESCO-UIA regulations, this competition received the approval of the International Union of Architects – UIA.
The city of Seoul has a rich cultural environment with concert halls, performing arts centres, museums and many other monuments of historical importance. The city wanted to add another architectural landmark to this rich offering, symbolising the cultural diversity of this dynamic world-class city.
The Performing Arts Centre was part of the municipal authority’s strategy for improving the quality of urban life. It would include an Opera House and a Concert Hall with around 1500 seats each, an open-air concert area and other related facilities and amenities.
The project would be located on the island of Nodeul in the Hangang river that divides Seoul into north and south.
Proposals should resolve a number of other issues including:
This competition was open to architects across the world who had the right to practise the profession in their country and also to students of architecture.