Proposal for new performing arts centre in Seoul. The program is organised around an inhabited plinth that is six metres above ground level. This glazed plinth connects all the major elements of the Centre for the public. Concert and opera goers can enjoy unique views of the river and its banks before and after performances and during intermissions. The plinth spans over the arterial road to connect the island as a whole. It houses bars, cafes, restaurants, tea rooms, bookstores and exhibition areas as well as the open air amphitheatre. Public areas can be open outside of performance times to make the centre and Nodeul Island a popular destination.
The design concept develops in response to the artificial island condition, the power and energy of the Hangang river and the possibility of flooding, and the intensity of the road and rail transportation systems. The island is effectively divided in two by the
arterial road and there are no permanent facilities on the site
Urban Beach
The lower part of the island, which is subject to flooding, is developed as an urban beach with defined areas for sunbathing and swimming, areas of floating gardens and vegetation and pedestrian routes.
Green Plinth
Large areas of the island are landscaped with trees to create a soft forest that is organised around a series of forest glades or openings in the woods. Existing trees are retained where possible and new cherry trees and other ornamental trees are introduced. Areas can be grassed for picnic areas and gatherings, hard areas can be defined for outdoor sports activities such as tennis. Small pavilions for cultural activities can be added.
Stone Plinth
The base for the Performing Arts Centre is a stone clad plinth for walking and hard landscapes such as seating areas and small outdoor perfomance spaces. It provides entry points to the Centre. The arterial road can also be clad with stone at this point to emphasize the continuity that the stone plinth gives to the island. Visitors to the island can arrive by bus and approach the Centre by foot. Others can arrive by a new ferry boat landing to the south of the island. Visitors who arrive by car can enter underground parking to the north of the Centre.
Glass Plinth
The Performing Arts Centre is organised around an inhabited plinth that is six metres above ground level. This glazed plinth connects all the major elements of the Centre for the public. Concert and opera goers can enjoy unique views of the river and its banks before and after performances and during intermissions. The plinth spans over the arterial road to connect the island as a whole. It houses bars, cafes, restaurants, tea rooms, bookstores and exhibition areas as well as the open air amphitheatre.
Performing Arts Centre
The opera and concert hall are large drums that cut through the glass plinth. Auditoria and stages are suspended within these drums to provide maximimum acoustic protection. Administration space, rehearsal space and production spaces are incorporated within the drums.

competition project 2005