Arcloud: A Mixed-Use Development in Seoul by Carve

A New Public Realm in Seoul

Arcloud is a visionary mixed-use development located at the foot of Geomdansan Mountain on the eastern edge of Seoul. This dynamic project combines residential, commercial, recreational, and educational spaces, creating a vibrant new district that is poised to become the beating heart of the area. The development includes a series of large housing blocks, single-family homes, and a variety of public facilities, including the Arcloud shopping mall, which redefines the concept of a modern urban block.

A Stacked City: Redefining Urban Life

Arcloud's design introduces a "stacked city" concept, combining retail, housing, public spaces, and transportation infrastructure into a unified vertical structure. The central plazas, located at street level, offer seamless access to the surrounding green corridor, providing pedestrians with an uninterrupted flow through the space—an inviting contrast to Seoul's car-centric urban landscape.

Central Cores and Green Spaces

Strategically placed hills featuring indigenous Korean plants, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and tall pine trees organize the public spaces. These green knolls define two key plazas—one designed for play and the other for events—while ensuring clear sightlines and accessibility to the retail units. A third important public space is the atrium, which functions as the central hub of the development.

Play and Community Plazas: Celebrating Daily Life

The public plazas are designed to serve as a new focal point for the Arcloud community, fostering interaction and celebration of the rhythm of daily life. The community plaza, surrounded by gently rolling hills, provides an open, multifunctional event space with a central stage for performances. During the summer, the surrounding bowl-like surface can be transformed into a splash pool, enhancing the interactive experience for visitors.

Interactive Sculptures and Atmospheric Design

A key feature of Arcloud is its floating, cloud-like sculpture that connects the central cores of the public space. This transparent, playful structure serves as both a design element and a functional component of the space, offering shading and creating an interactive experience for visitors. The sculpture’s integration of an atmospheric lighting system ensures it remains a dynamic presence, engaging visitors both day and night.

A Visionary Design Inspired by Seoul’s Essence

Arcloud’s design draws inspiration from the multi-layered and multi-faceted nature of Seoul. The city is a fusion of tradition and modernity, nature and urban life, and dynamic contrasts. Carve’s design for Arcloud reflects these qualities by creating a public space that celebrates the ever-changing rhythm of the city. The neighborhood hub encapsulates the essence of Seoul—vibrant, green, and forward-thinking—making it an essential part of the city's ongoing evolution.