The metropolitan government of Seoul, South Korea, has just concluded a contest to redesign the lower deck of a famous city bridge, awarding first prize to a Dutch firm that wants to turn it into an art gallery and cultural space.
Firm Arch Mist provided the most “innovative” proposal for remodeling the semi-submersible Jamsu pedestrian bridge over the Han River, with their vision of fushia metal ribbons winding between the piles of the bridge structure.
The design will offer multiple balconies and decks for the hosting of art displays and cultural events without impeding pedestrian flow.
The bridge is already a famous sight in the city—with the upper deck, called the Banpo Bridge, holding the Guinness World Record for being the longest “fountain bridge.”
It has 38 water pumps and 380 nozzles installed. It also has speakers, lights, and projectors that make it a marvel to see at night.
Arch Mist’s 8,650m2 project will transform the 795 meter-long Jamsu Bridge into the ‘longest art gallery’ that will benefit from the shade and rain cover of the Banpo Bridge above.
“We have put lots of efforts into this project, since the beginning of this competition, and we are determined to see through to the end in order to create a ‘bridge of culture’ that citizens can enjoy,” said Chang-Soo Lim, Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Space Planning Officer. “It will also be the first pedestrian bridge and the first waterfront cultural space over the Han River.”
Built in 1979, the Jamsu Bridge occasionally floods, but for decades it has also hosted events including food trucks and shows, weather permitting.
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It was eventually arched in the middle to allow boat traffic to pass underneath, and now combined with the fountain and light show, promises to be a center of attention in the glittering metropolis of 10 million people.
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