Songdo First World, Residential tower in Songdo, South Korea.
Songdo First World is a residential complex organized into four distinct court communities within the Songdo International Business District. The structure houses neighborhoods that accommodate approximately 200 households each, creating smaller community units within the larger building.
Construction started in 2009 as the Songdo International Business District was being developed on reclaimed land near Incheon. This tower became one of the defining residential structures in what was planned as a new waterfront city center.
The layout creates separate court communities where residents share outdoor spaces, reflecting how South Korean housing typically emphasizes neighborhood gathering areas. People move through these distinct zones as they would through connected villages within a single structure.
The complex connects to Incheon and Seoul through bus and subway networks with direct access to the residential areas. Visitors can explore the four court zones more easily by understanding that each has its own entry points and common areas.
The design uses broken surface lines and large openings to make the tower feel less imposing despite its size. These features reduce the visual weight of the structure, making it appear more approachable to visitors walking through the area.
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