Netherlands-based studio Arch Mist has been announced as the final winner of “Jamsu Bridge, Bridge of Culture” competition in Seoul, Korea. Arch Mist’s proposal includes the repurposing of the 795-meter-long bridge, to be transformed into the "longest art gallery" over the Han River, offering a unique exhibition space and providing public areas for cultural and art events.
Situated in center of Seoul, Jamsu Bridge spans across the Han River, linking two of the most important districts Yongsan and Seocho. The project aims to pedestrianize the Jamsu Bridge and create a walking-friendly space as a flagship initiative under the 'Great Hangang Project' (Han River Renaissance 2.0) by Seoul Metropolitan Government.
“We have put lots of efforts into this project, since the beginning of this competition, and we are determined to see through to the end in order to create a ‘bridge of culture’ that citizens can enjoy.” said Chang-soo Lim, Seoul Metropolitan Government's Future Space Planning Officer “it will also be the first pedestrian bridge and the first waterfront cultural space over the Han River.”
Arch Mist's design introduces multiple city balconies and ramp connections to create a visual focal point from afar and provide a sequence of panoramic viewpoints over the river. To give it a human-scale space quality, an elevated deck level is added to divide the 11-meter-high space vertically with multiple lifted city balconies.
With newly designed multiple decks and balconies, it brings many new possibilities for activities. In daily life, it could be used as a gallery space for art, holding permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as a weekly market for the surrounding neighborhoods. Moreover, it will also hold special events, for instance, a runway with theatre seats, a public movie theatre during the night, weddings, or selfie photos, providing a unique experience for interacting with the water fountain on Banpo Bridge without interfering with pedestrian connectivity on the newly added upper deck.
“The infusion of color not only enhances the bridge's aesthetics but also reflects the vibrancy and positivity of the city.” – Ningzhu Wang, Lead Designer of Arch Mist.
When considering the design of the bridge, the color choice serves dual purposes. Firstly, it extends a warm invitation to all. The vibrant hue, visible from afar, creates a charm that attracts everyone to visit. Secondly, the dynamic energy of this color creates a unique social atmosphere, fostering meaningful interactions and inspiring visitors. The pink elevated pedestrian bridge was well-received for its vitality and openness.
“The coloration and the dynamic design will be a unique characteristic of the submarine bridge and will serve as a landmark,” said Sujin Song, Professor from Korea University.
The landscape design not only enriches the overall natural environment but also creates space for everyone visiting. Floating planters are introduced to create a wetland corridor in the river to improve biodiversity and the microclimate on the bridge. A curvy waterfront boundary will maximize the perimeter of the water interface. The redesigned bike path will follow the curve of the lower deck, providing a fun riding experience, and slow down the speed to provide safe space for pedestrians.
From a structural perspective, the design uses minimal and rational structural intervention to maximize the improvement of the space. The added deck and balcony will be anchored to the existing piers and suspended with cables. All the cables will be connected to a steel jacket connecting the original bridge piers to provide a safe and reliable load transition to the existing foundation. In order to create designs that can be swiftly constructed and minimize maintenance, the newly added structures are designed as modular elements based on the constant span between columns.
The design creates a new urban environment that weaves together the structure, natural landscape, and art programme to create a synergy in culture and ecology in Gangnam and Gangbuk areas and seeks to define a new and future-proof urban heart for the city of Seoul. The construction begins next year and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Other entrants to the competition include Dutch landscape architect, WEST8.
Not far from there, uninhabited Nodeul Island in Seoul is being transformed into a public park by the UK architect Heatherwick Studio.
History of Jamsu Bridge:
Built in 1976, the Jamsu Bridge is located closest to the water surface of the Han River, extending 795 meters. Its unique double-decker structure provides access from the Han riverside, with Banpo Bridge positioned above. It was designed as a submersible bridge during the flood season. Currently, Jamsu Bridge consists of two lanes for round-trip traffic, sidewalks on both sides, and a bicycle path on one side. The submersion bridge also held Louis Vuitton’s Prefall fashion show before the fall and winter (FW) collection in April 2023. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk (Squid Game) directed the stage as a creative advisor. Model Jung Ho-yeon and many other Korean and international stars attended.
***
Press release and images courtesy of Arch Mist
2
comment