Mixed-use developments maximize the potential of a particular site by incorporating diverse purposes. Integrating residential, office, hotel, and retail land uses can increase the urban vitality of a neighbourhood. South Korea takes this a step further with their 'officetel' concept. In this week's Explainer, we look at this novel idea and its implementation across the country.

Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea, image via Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

An officetel is a multi-purpose, self-contained building that comprises both residential and commercial units. Designed so that occupants can live and work in the same structure, these projects usually rent office space to small and medium-sized businesses, while the residential portion is often defined by studio apartments with basic furnishings. Officetels are typically located in the downtown core and around transportation hubs and are increasingly featuring diverse amenities, including shopping services, for occupants. They've grown in popularity in recent years after government deregulation made them more viable. In fact, South Korea's tallest building, Lotte World Tower in Seoul, contains a number of floors that have been reserved for use as an officetel. 

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