The Weave: Tancheon/Han River Waterfront

Located between Seoul’s former Olympic Stadium in the Jamsil district and the rapidly growing central business district in Gangnam, the point where the Tancheon River joins the Han River is currently dominated by surface car parking and elevated highway structures. The central concept of “The Weave” was to intertwine three aspects of the landscape: ‘Restoring nature, Accessibility improvement, and Leisure-Cultural waterfront’. Through the central concept of weaving, MVRDV envisions creating a continuous, fluid space that fosters the interplay between humans and nature.
‘Restoring nature’ is a crucial design facet, as the project seeks to introduce greenery and biodiversity. Native plant species will be incorporated to ensure the development is harmonious with the local ecology. ‘Accessibility improvement’ involves creating pathways, bridges, and viewing platforms for seamless navigation and stunning river and city view threads that weave the tangible connection between the Jamsil and Gangnam districts. ‘Leisure-Cultural waterfront’ components are versatile, hosting diverse cultural and social activities. From outdoor theaters to family playground, the project aims to be a cultural hub echoing Seoul’s energy. Water features like pools and fountains create recreational spaces, acknowledging the site’s river proximity.
‘The Weave’ is an innovative project, transforming an underused area into an ecologically sound, interconnected urban oasis, bridging the natural and built environments while becoming a cultural hub for Seoul.