The landscape design for Jeju Dream Tower, a luxury hotel resort and casino on South Korea’s Jeju island, provides a strong identity by celebrating the local volcanic landscape and its unique character. It includes a main entrance plaza and VIP drop-off area on street level as well as a pool deck on level 9.
The main entrance plaza provided an opportunity to integrate public gathering spaces and guide visitors seamlessly to the main entrance 4m above street level. Echoing the natural volcanic geology and the organic flows of lava, the terraced landscape is executed in dark chocolate-colored lava stone, creating a monolithic and sculptural landform with integrated seating, event plazas and access corridors for fire trucks.
Elliptical stacked elements in vibrant splashes of gold, yellow and orange and various scales define sculptural water features on the main entry plaza and a series of seating planters, bar counters and restrooms on the pool deck. They reference stacked casino chips as well as the hot intensity of lava flows. The dominance of golden color tones communicates the gambling environment to the public and introduces a joyful atmosphere intro the streetscape.
The softscape with a native planting palette is combined with an integrated Stormwater Urban Drainage Systems. Mimicking natural drainage processes, it manage stormwater runoff and reduces the impact of urbanization on flooding and water quality. The system controls runoff at the source, slowing down water flow, allowing infiltration, and using water where it falls.
Water is an important element in feng shui, representing wealth, money, and luck. The various water features combine Korean culture and casino imagery. The choreographed water shows provide public entertainment, interpreting the different states of water and wind in the Korea Strait.
The pool deck landscape provides dramatic views over the city and towards the sea. It continues the selected material palette from the main entry plaza and defines a series of different activity and relaxation zones around the oval main pool which is also executed in golden, yellow and orange mosaic tiles, while smaller massage pools are integrated into the monolithic landform which defines the roof deck.
Smaller pools around it provide additional interest, with cabanas, a pool bar, a jacuzzi and BBQ grill bar which make the roof a holiday playground. The different landscape elements structure the rooftop area into smaller and more intimate spaces while also framing the views over the city.
The overall reduction of the material and color palette throughout the entire project strengthens the landscape character and created a unique and cheerful public space within the city. Planting is strategically positioned to provide shade and a cooler microclimate in connection with the water features. The entry plaza became a sought after reprieve within the buzzling street life of Jeju and established the Dream Tower project as a popular destination for international tourists as well as local residents.
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Client: Lotte Tour Development
