From forgotten wasteland to cultural destination, Nodeul Island on Seoul’s Han River is undergoing a remarkable transformation under the vision of renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick. After winning a highly competitive global design contest, Heatherwick Studio officially broke ground on its ambitious “Soundscape” project in October 2025, marking a new chapter for both the studio and South Korea’s cultural landscape.
Designer: Heatherwick Studio
From Waste Storage to Wonder
Nodeul Island’s story begins in 1917 when it was first constructed by the Japanese colonial administration. For decades, this artificial island served as little more than a waste storage facility, earning it the reputation as Seoul’s “forgotten island”. Fenced off from the public and left to decay, few could have imagined its potential as a vibrant cultural hub.
That changed when the Seoul Metropolitan Government launched an international competition to reimagine the space. Following a year-long process involving exhibitions, consultations, and public voting, Heatherwick Studio’s “Soundscape” emerged victorious in May 2024.
A Design Inspired by Sound and Mountains
The winning design draws inspiration from two distinctly Seoul elements: the city’s mountainous terrain and the visual patterns created by soundwaves. This dual inspiration manifests as a landscape that literally bends and folds like sound itself, creating what Thomas Heatherwick describes as “a trail of dramatic spaces on different levels that can host musical performances and artistic interventions”.
The centerpiece of the design features floating islets held in the air, providing elevated rest points with panoramic views across the island and back to Seoul’s skyline. These structures will be connected by a 1.2-kilometer skywalk, allowing visitors to experience what Heatherwick calls “drama and harmonies in the sky”.
A Cultural Destination for the Digital Age
Soundscape addresses what Heatherwick sees as a growing problem in our “hyper-digital age” – the increasing sense of loneliness and isolation. His solution is decidedly physical: a space dedicated to bringing people together through music and nature. The island will house an impressive array of cultural facilities, including recording studios, small concert halls, a waterfront amphitheater, and a K-pop experience center .
More unique offerings include an anechoic chamber for acoustic experimentation, a music café, and even a karaoke bar, ensuring the island caters to every musical taste and experience level. Beyond entertainment, the project emphasizes ecological restoration. The design incorporates native flora and fauna, with naturalistic plantings strengthening the riverbanks. This biodiverse landscape serves as both an environmental restoration and a sensory experience.
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