▴ Active in high-tech design sectors — including batteries, automotive, and data centers — across the U.S. ‘Sun Belt’  ▴ “The Commons” received a Merit Award in the Built Projects category (over 5,000 sq. ft.).    (From right) Gansam USA (Jaehong Chang, Director; Kevin Kim, Principal); Archiplan Design Group (Tony Kim, Principal). ⓒ AIA Georgia   Gansam USA, Inc. (hereinafter "Gansam USA"), the U.S. subsidiary of Gansam Co., Ltd., announced on the 13th that it has received a Merit Award at the 2026 AIA Georgia Design Awards — official recognition from the North American architectural community, achieved just five years after entering the U.S. market in 2021. The award-winning project is "The Commons at a Battery Manufacturing Campus" (hereinafter "The Commons"), located in Kingston, Georgia. The Commons is a shared employee amenity facility within a battery cell manufacturing plant developed by HSBMA (Hyundai SK Battery Manufacturing America), the battery production joint venture between SK On and Hyundai Motor Group. Comprising two two-story buildings — an administration building and a canteen building — the project has a total floor area of 112,437 sq. ft. (10,445 ㎡)   The AIA Georgia Design Awards is an annual program organized by the Georgia chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The program recognizes projects of all budgets, sizes, styles, and types that demonstrate excellence in architectural design, and evaluates entries against the AIA's 10 principles of the Framework for Design Excellence, including Design for Integration, Design for Energy, Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Resources, and Design for Well-being. This recognition is notable because the project reexamines conventional assumptions about industrial facilities. AIA Georgia described The Commons as "a shared commons that restores interaction and well-being within a highly controlled environment," recognizing the project as an approach that departs from the inertia typical of industrial buildings.    2026 AIA Georgia Design Awards, Merit Award in the Built Projects (over 5,000 sq. ft.) category — "The Commons at a Battery Manufacturing Campus." ⓒ Gansam Co., Ltd.   Myungkwan Nam, Executive Director and lead designer of The Commons, said: "Our starting point was creating space for everyday human experience within an industrial environment where efficiency is the dominant measure. We asked what architecture could offer employees in Georgia's hot climate — and sought to create a range of indoor-outdoor connections that encourage spontaneous interaction, as well as an environment where the microclimate is moderated, much like the eaves of a traditional Korean hanok."   Interior view of The Commons office building. Natural light and an open-plan layout support focus, collaboration, and interaction. © Gansam Co., Ltd.   The interior is organized as an open plan with minimal partitions, encouraging spontaneous encounters, while skylights and a void connecting the first and second floors draw natural light deep into the building. An extended roof canopy bridging the two buildings shelters a shared courtyard placed at the center of daily circulation. Through passive design strategies — including modular materials at 3'-6" (approximately 1,070 mm) widths and calibrated window-to-wall ratios — envelope, massing, spatial planning, and energy performance are integrated into a single system.     Based on a 3'-6" modular material strategy, the design integrates the façade, massing, and space into a unified system. © Gansam Co., Ltd.   AIA Georgia recognized that these strategies support focus, psychological restoration, and social connection, demonstrating how human-centered environments can be integrated into contemporary industrial facilities. As a result, The Commons was honored for excellence in two of the Framework for Design Excellence principles: Design for Integration and Design for Energy.   Leading Gansam USA, Kevin Kim, Principal, and Jaehong Chang, Director, said: "This award is a significant milestone — it shows that Gansam USA is not simply an organization executing industrial facilities, but a practice with the capacity to deliver design value and spatial quality together. Building on the high-tech design expertise we have accumulated across the U.S. South and West — the 'Sun Belt' regions including Georgia, Arizona, and California — we plan to accelerate our expansion into sectors where design and technology converge, such as data centers, smart offices, and mixed-use facilities."     ■ Related Article [ITBiz News] Gansam USA Wins 2026 AIA Georgia Design Award. - Marking Its First Major Recognition in North America Five Years After U.S. Market Entry [The Korea Economic Daily] Gansam U.S. Wins Merit Award at the 2026 AIA Georgia Design Awards [The Segye Times] Gansam U.S. Receives AIA Georgia Design Award for ‘The Commons’ [Kukto Ilbo] Gansam U.S. Honored at the 2026 AIA Georgia Design Awards — Showcasing the Synergy of Korean High-Tech Design and Local U.S. Expertise     The Commons at a Battery Manufacturing Campus- · Location: Kingston, Georgia, USA· Program: Workplace & Employee Facilities· Site Area: 600 ac · Building Area: 220,221㎡ (The Commons – 6,908㎡) · Gross Floor Area: 304,231㎡ (The Commons - 10,445㎡) · Scale: 2  Above-Ground Floors

▴ Three landmark innovations driving key transitions in Korea's industry  ▴ Excellence demonstrated through 77 data center designs, UAM vertiport development, and Korea's first timber apartment complex   Taesung Kim, President of Gansam (right), receives the Technology Innovation Award at the 2026 National Industry Awards ceremony hosted by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies. ⓒIPS Gansam has been named a recipient of the Technology Innovation Award at the 2026 National Industry Awards (9th National Industry Awards), hosted by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies. The recognition honors Gansam's three pioneering achievements: leadership in data center design, advancement of UAM (Urban Air Mobility) vertiport infrastructure, and the development of Korea's first timber apartment complex — each representing a critical turning point in Korea's industrial transformation driven through architecture.   Leading Korea's Digital Infrastructure with the Most Data Center Designs Over the past two decades, Gansam has completed 77 data center projects, holding the most data center design experience of any firm in Korea. As major domestic and international IT companies accelerate investment in hyperscale data centers, Gansam continues to lead digital infrastructure development with integrated expertise spanning high-density facility planning, power systems, cooling, security, and structural resilience.   Notable projects include the LG CNS Busan Data Center — the first IDC in Korea to employ seismic isolation structures — the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology HPC Center, the first HPC facility in Korea to introduce liquid cooling technology, and the Samsung Electronics DS HPC Center, the first HPC center in Korea to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Gansam is further expanding its capabilities through data center projects aligned with global hyperscaler standards, including an AI data center in Indonesia — the first overseas data center project undertaken by a Korean firm.   Samsung Electronics DS HPC Center, designed by Gansam. The first HPC center in Korea to achieve LEED Platinum certification. ⓒJeong Dong-wook     Pioneering UAM Vertiport Design — Korea's First Urban Air Mobility Infrastructure Model Gansam became the first Korean architectural firm to participate in UAM vertiport infrastructure design, developing a new design methodology that integrates aviation, transportation, urban planning, and architecture. By redefining challenges in safety, noise, circulation, and airspace through an architectural lens, Gansam contributed to establishing the ground-based framework for Korea's UAM industry ecosystem — a contribution recognized with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Commendation in 2025.   Korea's first tourism-oriented vertiport project designed by Gansam — Jeju Vertiport Project (2 FATO, 6 Gates) ⓒGansam     Korea's First Timber Apartment Complex — A Green Housing Experiment Toward Carbon Neutrality Through the Gaeunsan Village project in Jongam-dong, Seoul, Gansam is pioneering Korea's first timber apartment complex. To apply mass timber construction — proven in carbon reduction — to large-scale multi-family housing for the first time, Gansam is undertaking comprehensive technical innovation: proactively interpreting relevant regulations and structural codes, developing new approaches to fire resistance, and restructuring conventional reinforced concrete-centric construction practices. Upon completion, the project is expected to serve as a landmark green housing model that demonstrates architecture's potential for carbon reduction.   Creating a 'Better Landscape of Life' Through Technical Innovation Guided by the vision of a "Better Landscape of Life," Gansam's team of over 700 architects, urban planners, landscape architects, and specialists pursues integrated design that addresses social, economic, and environmental challenges through architecture. CEO Taijip Kim commented: "This award reflects recognition that Gansam has been preparing — through architecture — for the key transitions in Korea's industry, from digital infrastructure and future mobility to sustainable housing. We will continue to create landscapes where people, cities, and the environment grow together, grounded in technical innovation."       Related Articles [Dong-A Ilbo] Korea's Most Data Center Designs… Pioneering Innovation in Timber Housing [Kukto Ilbo] Gansam Wins Technology Innovation Award at '2026 National Industry Awards'… Recognized for Three Innovations: Korea's Most Data Center Designs, UAM Vertiport, and Timber Housing

▴ Recognized for UAM Team Korea contributions and pioneering vertiport design standards and legislation  ▴ Led amendments to the Building Act and Harbor Act, establishing legal frameworks and regional commercialization models     Gansam has received a commendation from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) in recognition of its active research and contributions to advancing the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry. The award honors those who have participated in UAM-related policy development and technology initiatives led by the Ministry, contributing to the nation's future mobility ecosystem. As a member of UAM Team Korea—the industry-academia-government policy coalition driving Korea's UAM initiatives—Gansam has played a pivotal role across three key areas: development projects, infrastructure operation, and business models. Drawing on its architectural expertise, the firm has helped establish practical guidelines for UAM implementation, including vertiport installation standards, streamlined permitting procedures, and legal guidance on vertiport development licensing and project execution.   Gansam has also served on the editorial committee for vertiport design standards and as an advisor for the Smart Plus Building initiative, helping shape the direction of future-oriented spatial design and construction technologies that integrate architecture with mobility. The firm has further contributed to reviewing the UAM technology roadmap, guiding phased technology development strategies.   At the 2024 Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Flight Demonstration Event. Gansam actively participates in reviewing technology roadmaps and conducting infrastructure development research for UAM commercialization.   Beyond technical contributions, Gansam has been instrumental in overcoming regulatory barriers through legislative support. The firm proposed adding "vertiport" as a new transportation facility category under the Building Act Enforcement Decree and worked with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to amend the Harbor Act Enforcement Rules for Jeju's UAM project—securing critical legal foundations for infrastructure expansion.   Building on this expertise, Gansam is currently leading vertiport master planning for key regional governments, including Jeju and the South Coast area (Goseong and Tongyeong). Notably, the firm provided the technical foundation that helped Jeju and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region secure designation as pilot project sites under the government's funding program.   "This recognition affirms that Gansam's design capabilities have expanded beyond spatial innovation to become core infrastructure for UAM—a key national industry," said Mi-lim Choi, Architect and future mobility design specialist at Gansam. "We will continue to realize a future where architecture serves as a new gateway for cities, creating mobility hubs where people and technology harmonize."

The PSK Groups' Pangyo Campus, an open and transparent 'campus hub' where technology, nature, and the community seamlessly connect, has won the Special Prize at the 2025 Gyeonggi Architecture Award.   Explore the Work

On November 18, 2024,  an article was published in Maeil Business Newspaper about Gansam's outdoor leisure stay brand, Tiny Resort, winning the IDEA Grand Prize at the IDEA awards.    [Go to the article] Maeil Business Newspaper - Gansam won three major design awards with ‘Tiny Resort’     Mobile modular timber house 'ODM'   Modular block system 'FRIENDS'     ■ Want to know more about Tiny Resort? - [Article] Chosun Biz | Gansam Co.,Ltd launches outdoor leisure mini-resort brand ‘Tiny Resort’ - [Article] E-Daily | Gansam Co.,Ltd, the designer of ‘Goseong Hwajinpo Resom’... penetrates ‘Wellness’ - [Article] C3KOREA | Gansam Co.,Ltd won IDEA 2024 Grand Prize with ‘Tiny Resort’

Work by Gansam ‘50’   On the 15th, Gansam announced that they won the Featured Finalist for MQ’s work ‘50 & The Table’ from IDEA(International Design Excellence Awards) 2023. Gansam recreated visual materials generated during the design process into works with various visual and sensuous expressions by architects through Mr.Q project since 2021. ‘50′ and ‘The Table,’ which won the IDEA Featured Finalist, were also produced by architects of Gansam, Yujin Seo and Hyungjin Cho through the Mr.Q project. ‘50′ was recreated by combining Gansam’s design plans for new Hanyang University Hospital building with 50 round plates of 200 mm in diameter.   Work by Gansam ‘The Table’    ‘The Table’ was recreated by transfer printing isometric images of five architectures designed by Gansam on ceramic plates. Utilized images are Paradise Cimer, Aqua Planet Yeosu, Aloft Seoul Gangnam, Namsan N Tower office facility in Chungmu-ro, and detached houses in Pyeongchang-dong. Taijip Kim, CEO of Gansam said, “This award is the result of the architects' passion and efforts full of experimental spirit," and added comments, "I am glad that Mr. Q's work, one of the projects that Gansam continues to attempt to expand the scope other than architecture, has won the prestigious award. We will continue to propose new ideas and values."   ■ Source - Chosun Biz_ Gansam won the Featured Finalist from ‘2023 IDEA Design Awards’   □ Related article - Daehan News_ Gansam won the Featured Finalist from ‘2023 IDEA Design Awards’

On August 3, 2023, LG Art Center Seoul and LG Discovery Lab Seoul won the grand prize from . A total of 106 high-quality works (26 from public, 80 from private) were submitted and The LG Art Center Seoul and LG Discovery Lab Seoul, designed by Gansam and Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, is a building planned as a public contribution when R&D complex was developed in Magok district, Gangseo-gu, and received a good comments for its excellent completeness in terms of planning, program, and construction as a private cultural facility with high publicness.   It received high scores for its organic connection between urban streets, Seoul Botanic Park, and subway stations, and the variability of stage and sound, which presents various performances. In particular, it won the grand prize in recognition of creating an architecture for the high-quality cultural facility for all citizens in Seoul.    will be presented with the opening event of the ‘15th Seoul Architecture Festival 2023’ on Friday, September 1, and the winning works will be exhibited at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture from Friday, September 1 to Sunday, October 29, 2023.    

On the 15th December,  Gansam was awarded by Minster of MOTIE(Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)  at the 24th Korea Brand Award held in Seoul. 

Designed by Gansam, Bundang Doosan Tower ranked the 5th in the ‘Emporis Skyscraper Award 2021’.   Located at the entrance of Gyeongbu Expressway, Bundang Doosan Tower shows its dignity with a huge mass and it has become a landmark of the city as a symbolic building embracing the value of Doosan Group.       Go to see Top 10 Emporis Skyscrapermporis Skyscraper       

In September 2022, Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel won the Excellence Award from the 16th Korea Remodeling Architecture Award 2022. Professor Kwansoo Kim of Kyung Hee University, who took charge of a judge, rated high the fact that the existing old hotel was completely remodeled and transformed into a new hotel.