# Carlo Ratti's 'High Heels' Project Creates Space for Water and Green Areas in Seoul The new design integrates flood management and public spaces. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-07-22 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/886b58ed-0c49-4245-9487-d71dbe5aeca1 ## Innovative Design for Flood Management Carlo Ratti Associati designed the new residential tower in Seoul for flood management. The structure rises on slender columns, creating space for water, vegetation, and public areas below. This design adopts the 'sponge city' approach to slow and absorb rainwater. ## Public Spaces and Green Areas The project lifts the tower to create expansive public spaces below. These areas include dining spaces, tea houses, and urban farming zones. Additionally, mature trees are preserved, ensuring daylight and public access. ## Community Terraces The refuge floors in the tower are transformed into communal terraces. Planned every 30 floors, these areas serve as shared outdoor spaces while also being available for emergency use. ## Adaptive Facades The tower's facades respond to sunlight and climate. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the south-facing elevations, while vertical louvers on the east and west facades control solar heat. This strategy aims to enhance environmental performance based on each facade's exposure. ## Renewable Energy Generation The photovoltaic panels on the south facades generate renewable energy to meet the tower's energy needs. This design stands out as a significant example of sustainable architecture. ## A Model for Climate-Resilient Cities Carlo Ratti's project offers a model for cities adapting to climate change. The design combines flood management, green spaces, and public access, serving as an inspiring example for future urban planning. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/carlorattiassociati-cra-seoul-tower-high-heels-room-water-trees-public-life-gsenc/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._