Banpo Ecological Playscape
A homage to Hangang

The sandy floodplains along Hangang once served as a vital interface between land and water for the Seoul community. Until the 1960s, it flourished as a vibrant community hub where shared memories were cultivated year-round, fostering an intimate bond between the locals and the natural surroundings. The community took delight in the sandy floodplains, reveling as they transformed into a summertime beach and a winter wonderland for skating. However, rapid urbanization, particularly the busy Olympic-daero expressway, disconnected this interface from the surrounding neighborhood and resulted in habitat fragmentation.

Snøhetta’s proposal envisions reviving not just the physical link, but also the vibrant spirit that once defined this now dormant threshold. By bringing water inland and woodlands outward, the design seamlessly blends urban life with nature, fostering coexistence among the breathtaking surrounding landscape. The Banpo area will be revitalized, with the waterfront once again integrated into the neighborhood and nature thriving alongside city vibrancy.

The design consists of two layers – the “ecosystem” and the “playscape” – each contributing to its remarkable essence. At the ecological level, it champions climate resilience by managing flood events and nurturing a self-regulating ecosystem with integrated wetlands and woodlands. By restoring waterways, the landscape acts as a natural filtration sponge where the wetland channel connects Hangang and Sinbanpo. The ecological canvas also fosters biodiversity, with flourishing habitats harmoniously coexisting to benefit all forms of life. Native species are reintroduced, and microclimate sensitivity encompassing temperature, humidity, wind, sound, and solar radiation ensures comfort for all. The natural landscape also serves as an educational element for a further enriched experience.

The playscape, on the other hand, is not only a symbolic expression as the first artificial park of its kind but also a catalyst for cultural enrichment. By encouraging “play,” all generations are brought together in shared moments, fostering an inclusive community for humans, animals, insects, wildlife, and even robots. The playscape provides a versatile platform for diverse programs with a multi-level configuration. It offers a harmonious blend of spatial experiences, including enchanting nature pockets, inviting plazas, an amphitheater, play zones, educational elements, and indoor cultural facilities. Seamlessly adapting to seasonal changes, the design guarantees durability.

The ecological playscape is crafted through the juxtaposition of three distinctive elements, namely the “natural landform”, “triangular platform”, and the “connective thread”. The natural landform encompasses the lowest level of the design. Spanning above the natural landform and expressway sits the triangular platform that serves as the host for cultural vibrancy. The simple structure folds dynamically in multiple directions to form diverse spaces within the sculptural landmark, while mitigating noise from the traffic below and creating multiple elevated lookouts to maximise the Hangang views. Cultural facilities including exhibition space, a library and cafes are thoughtfully housed within the sculptural structure, allowing indoor programs to seamlessly integrate with the triangular platform. Envisioned as an event space supporting diverse activities year-round, the triangular platform aims to revive the riverside area.

The connective thread serves as the binding element. It links the ecological fabric, playscape, neighbourhoods, and waterfront park. It provides a dynamic pathway for all users offering captivating nodes of interest for diverse and enjoyable experiences.

Envisioned as a harmonious integration of architecture, landscape and community, the Banpo Ecological Playscape aims to restore the vibrancy once found along Hangang’s sandy floodplains. It seeks to create a place where nature and city life thrive together again, where lost physical and spiritual connections are rebuilt, and where ecology and recreation are thoughtfully combined as one.