Heatherwick Studio is transforming an artificial island on the Han River in the centre of Seoul into a new public park.
The project, called Soundscape, creates a trail of dramatic spaces on different levels that can host musical performances and artistic interventions in a biodiverse landscape. The design draws inspiration from Seoul’s mountainous terrain and the patterns created by soundwaves. It was selected following a year-long series of exhibitions, consultations, a public vote and a presentation to a design jury chaired by Thom Mayne.
In this hyper-digital age, we’ve had so many amazing innovations in the way people live but there has also been an increasing sense of loneliness and isolation. Our design idea is to make a hyper-physical place that reconnects Seoulites with nature, culture and, most importantly, with each other.
Stepping onto the island, visitors will move through a landscape which evolves as the tides and seasons change. At ground level, there will be an arts centre and a public beach. Rather than demolishing the existing artificial landscape, the design will strengthen the riverbanks with soft, naturalistic planting. The landscape will then rise to an events podium which connects to a dramatic 1.2km skywalk. This trail will be formed of a series of small, floating islets, held in the air, providing resting spaces with views across the island and the river back to Seoul.
Upon first discovering a serene, restful island where the landscape focuses on native flora and fauna, visitors will then wander up from the water’s edge to experience drama and harmonies in the sky.
Soundscape is the studio’s first project in South Korea to go into construction.
Visitors should be able to enjoy the new island in 2027.
Heatherwick Studio is transforming an artificial island on the Han River in the centre of Seoul into a new public park.
The project, called Soundscape, creates a trail of dramatic spaces on different levels that can host musical performances and artistic interventions in a biodiverse landscape. The design draws inspiration from Seoul’s mountainous terrain and the patterns created by soundwaves. It was selected following a year-long series of exhibitions, consultations, a public vote and a presentation to a design jury chaired by Thom Mayne.
In this hyper-digital age, we’ve had so many amazing innovations in the way people live but there has also been an increasing sense of loneliness and isolation. Our design idea is to make a hyper-physical place that reconnects Seoulites with nature, culture and, most importantly, with each other.
Stepping onto the island, visitors will move through a landscape which evolves as the tides and seasons change. At ground level, there will be an arts centre and a public beach. Rather than demolishing the existing artificial landscape, the design will strengthen the riverbanks with soft, naturalistic planting. The landscape will then rise to an events podium which connects to a dramatic 1.2km skywalk. This trail will be formed of a series of small, floating islets, held in the air, providing resting spaces with views across the island and the river back to Seoul.
Upon first discovering a serene, restful island where the landscape focuses on native flora and fauna, visitors will then wander up from the water’s edge to experience drama and harmonies in the sky.
Soundscape is the studio’s first project in South Korea to go into construction. Visitors should be able to enjoy the new island in 2027.
