Nodeul Art Island , Seoul/ Republik Korea

Press release by J.MAYER.H and Partners, Architects

IF YOU LIKE IT HERE, YOU WILL LOVE IT THERE

Clouds form when moist air rises, cools, and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. This process creates stunning, ever-changing patterns in the sky. They reflect the dynamic interplay between the earth and atmosphere. As ephemeral sculptures, clouds capture the delicate balance of nature's forces.

As one of two prize winning proposals in an invited international competition for the Nodeul Art Island in central Seoul, we gave clouds an airy permanence and diverse functions with wind protection, solar panels, panoramic viewing platforms and shading areas.
"This proposal has great potential to be a catalyst for the riverfront developments the city envisions," said Jung Hyun-tae/New York Institute of Technology.

"A very beautiful project," titles jury member Ben van Berkel/UNStudio.

With our proposal Clouds, Nodeul Art Island becomes a landmark in Seoul and in the country as a whole. Featuring cloud-like structures and floating architectural designs, it turns into an iconic blend of nature and culture, offering dynamic art spaces, performance areas, and outdoor sculpture parks. "The clouds enhance the imagination and create a narrative relationship between the built environments and the visitors," said jury member Thom Mayne/ Morphosis.

The undulating waterfront will blur the boundaries between water and land, and between architecture and sky. Elevated skywalks, panoramic paths, and a new art promenade will seamlessly merge nature with the urban landscape. Light and sound installations will create an immersive experience day and night, with illuminated clouds floating like colorful lanterns above the Han River.

"The proposal creates a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of Shangri-La. The romantic waterside space and cloud structure are impressive," commented Yong-hwa Kim/Korea National University of Arts.

"The organic connection between the lattice structures linked to the existing space, and the interpretation of Nodeul Island as a system without boundaries is original," stated Jeong Hoon Lee/Joho Architecture.

Nodeul Island‘s sustainability strategy focuses on seamlessly integrating the project without disturbing the surrounding environment. Located in the Han River, the island aims to minimize its impact on the aquatic ecosystem. To achieve this, the sustainability concepts integrate Water, Microclimate, Community, Zero Energy and Resource Efficiency. The main focus is on utilizing the river to combine biodiversity, functionality and cultural integration.

"It is impressive that the concept was planned as a cohesive design from the aerial part to the seawall edge," noted Yong-Jun Jo/CA Landscape Design.

Clouds move, change, and drift along. They dissolve and form anew in another place. Dynamic formations create lasting, breathtaking moments on Earth.

Project Data

Invited International Competition, 2nd Prize, 2024
Client: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Partners in Charge: Jürgen Mayer H., Andre Santer
Team: Dr. Paul Angelier, Lars Becker, Max Margorskyi, Mehrdad Mashaie, Jens Seiffert
Local Architect: Tomoon Architects, Seoul
Consulting engineers: Buro Happold, Berlin

All images: © J.MAYER.H