How significant can the ripple effect be when city infrastructure is reconsidered with networked thinking? In Cubes 88, MVRDV and Ben Kuipers demonstrate with Seoullo 7017 Skygarden.
November 7th, 2017
Seoul has a history of breathing new life into abandoned sites in the city, marked famously by the successful restoration of Cheonggyecheon into an urban park in 2005. Hence, when the Seoul Station overpass was slated for demolition in 2006, it seemed only natural that the city and its people would decide to regenerate the abandoned infrastructure by transforming it into a pedestrianised urban connector and public space.
An international design competition was subsequently held in 2015, and the winning proposal came from Dutch architects MVRDV in collaboration with Dutch landscape architect Ben Kuipers. They worked with Korean firms DMP (architecture) and KECC (landscape).
There are several key agendas at the heart of the design intervention, namely green, urban and social considerations. For example, the intent is that the Skygarden will serve as a catalyst for the reintroduction of nature back into the urban centre.
Kuipers points out that one of the ideas at the heart of the project was to offer a new perspective on plants in an urban context. “Instead of using plants and trees only as decoration… each species is exhibited like a piece of art. This fosters awareness of the beauty of different plants that can grow here, while also increasing biodiversity in the city.”
The scheme also facilitates opportunities for social interactions in an otherwise mono-programmatic urban setting. As MVRDV describes, “There are 16 small pavilions accommodating programmes such as cafes, shops, exhibition spaces, a children’s theatre, et cetera. These features create ideal conditions for the Skygarden to provide an active, vibrant public space 24 hours a day, all year long.”
Vitally, there is an organic element in the Skygarden’s design that differentiates it from typical pedestrian bridges. Over time, the bridge will extend its ‘roots’ with additional links between the Skygarden and its neighbours. Besides increasing the number of pedestrian-friendly connections, this will activate green and public spaces further afield.
MVRDV explains: “The green strategy includes increasing the number of pedestrian streets and green squares, giving more space for pocket gardens, green alleys, roofs, parking and terrace projects to grow and expand, as part of this satellite expansion around the bridge.”
Read the complete story in Cubes 88, on shelves now! Or get the digital version via Pixelmags in App store!
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Pushing the boundaries of architecture as art, MVRDV has created deep, theatrical façades through draping and imprinting on two buildings at Paradise City near Seoul’s Incheon Airport.
Vertical cities in the sky, deconstructed boxes and ample greening – six widely varying designs with similar themes have been revealed in the Southbank by Beulah competition.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
As one of the many entries to The Social Space category at the 2024 INDE.Awards, this community centre is something out of the ordinary through its architectural design, that also provides a place for community and connection for many.
The Australian Design Centre (ADC) this year celebrates 60 years! A series of events are coming up to mark the occasion.
Welcome to the year of the Design Effect. This year’s theme aims to showcase the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. Join in shaping this narrative by contributing your perspective before May 3, 2024, and become a part of the Design Effect movement.