Heatherwick Studio unveils its most visionary project yet, a new public park known as the Soundscape on the Nodeul Island in Seoul. Winning the international design competition, the idea is to transform an artificial island in the Han River into an innovative design that celebrates human connection and responds to the surrounding landscape. Heatherwick Studio, renowned for its context-sensitive and human-centered design solutions, envisioned Nodeul Island as a physical retreat from the digital world, a space to experience and appreciate the beauty around us.
Heatherwick Studio’s Vision for Seoul
Deeply human-centric design features a multi-layered park inspired by the Seoul terrain. The design was conceptualized on two elements: the dramatic landforms and rippling sound waves across the island.
This evolved into an organic and fluid language; the undulation of mountains becomes the guiding design principle, composed of a multi-level layout mirroring the natural topography of the region.
The architecture of Sounscape blends nature, culture, and community to craft the sustainable urban design as the landmark of the most ambitious urban transformations in Seoul. The design centers around humans, nature, and culture, resulting in three levels of layered experience.
Climbing Through Soundscape: Spirals, Pathways, and Views
The ground floor level consists of a public beach, an art center, and space for cultural activities connecting to the water’s edge. Ascending from here, the flexible podium for events, performances, and gatherings links to the community engagement on the island. The key element of design is the 1.2 km floating skywalk. Composed of interconnected floating islets, supported by slender columns.
The unique spiral staircase around the structural columns connects to the upper skywalk. The elevated viewing platform opens up to the panoramic views of the island, the Han River, and the sprawling cityscape of Seoul. The materiality blends with nature, slender columns, stainless curved metal frames, and soft planting, balancing the design language of the project.
A Hyper-Physical Escape in a Digital World
Soundscape responds to the hyper-digital age, while the philosophy of design connects nature, culture, and community ecologically and experientially. The spaces invite visitors to explore and discover through biodiversity and natural textures.
Heatherwick Studio has created spaces that are human-centered, socially beneficial, and sustainable, which was also highlighted in Thomas Heatherwick’s philosophy in his book Humanise and the importance of soulfulness in architecture. In the 21st century, dominated by artificial intelligence, the Soundscape project showcases the significance of connection and tangible and sensory experience that combats loneliness and isolation.
Soundscape as a Global Model for Public Parks
Set to open in 2027, Soundscape will bring a new layer of cultural life to Seoul’s Han River. Beyond its striking forms and floating pathways, the project invites visitors to experience the city through sound, movement, and nature.
Nodeul Island’ Soundscape Project Details
Architects: Heatherwick Studio
Client: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Location: Seoul, Korea
Design Director: Thomas Heatherwick
Image Credit: © Heatherwick Studio
