Korean creative director Byung Ju Lee of Planning Korea announced a new paradigm in bridge called ‘Paik Nam June Media Bridge’ in Seoul, Korea. Connecting Dangi-li Power Plant (which has a plan to be redeveloped into public cultural space) in the north and The National Assembly Building in the south, this bridge shows the first example of ‘a city expanded to the river’. Similar to the Thames River and the Seine River, the Han River in Seoul crosses the center of a city, however is of a much larger scale. There are almost 30 bridges over the Han River, but most of them were made of steel and concrete construction. Paik Nam June Media Bridge approaches the concept of crossing the Han River in a more sculptural, futuristic, and eco-friendly way. Inspired by the water strider, the overall shape is organic, with a sleek streamlined outline. This mega structure bridge is covered with solar panels to generate energy by itself, and totals a length of 1080m.
This bridge has the capability to accommodate cars, pedestrians, and bicycles. People can enjoy a public museum and library with the latest IT technology. In addition, water taxis, yachts and cruise ships can dock at the base of the bridge. The sustainable green space over the bridge is a circulated vertical and horizontal garden. The gardens would utilize the local resources, for example river and rain water along with natural light and ventilation. To celebrate world famous video/media artist Nam June Paik, the whole skin of the bridge can be used as a canvas for media and video artist all over the world. This project is currently in progress of being reviewed to be developed as a BTL (Build-Transfer-Lease) project.
Architect: Planning Korea
Location: Seoul, Korea
Bridge length: 1,080m
Pier height: 18m
Maximum arch height: 72.5m
Maximum width: 89m
Total floor area: 103,620m2
Area for road: 18,190m2
Area for building: 85,430m2
Program: Driveway, Pedestrian/Bicycle Road, Tourism/Shopping & Relaxation Facilities, The Han River Museum, Public library for teenagers, IT complex mall, Cruise ship dock & parking facilities
Related websites: Build Your Bridge
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
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- Courtesy of Planning Korea
the body of the bridge alone looks like a big creature trying to cross the river. I think it might relate to the site better if there’re another 2 ‘terminals’ on the riverbank connecting to this bridge body, giving it a start and an end. Currently it seems like it is ‘floating’ nowhere on the river.
PLEASE do not post the name of a well known female architect, who creates flowing/cursive designs…
whenever the wannabe-critics see this type of buildings, they start comparing.
after huge projects/buildings from firms like BIG, this could be realized. if korea has the money (like dubai/russia etc.).
Overall I like the design but the tenatacles which go down to man made islands seem unneccessary and poorly designed. Why would you build those complicated tunnels when it could easily be incorporated into the primary support piers?
Whether it’s going to be built or not, the concept of making useful spaces over brige is a great idea for a big and crowded city like Seoul. Definitely needs to be develped further.
This is definitely stunning in terms of design and technology,although many would thing it is too much for a bridge but this isn’t a very new idea actually,, look at the bridges of Florence; same concept but different scale.