“Bridging the Megacity” is a testament to the power of human creativity and collaborative vision. Comprising 65 architectural designs of bridges from 30 universities worldwide, this exhibition is more than a collection of architectural projects; it is a testament from professors and young students to the shared determination to reshape our urban future. The universities have been given three sites on the Han River as their focus points for the design of bridges. The first site is near Noeul Park, the second site is near Nodeul Island, and the third site is near Seoul Forest. The design for each bridge symbolises unity, a bridge between cultures, ideas, and aspirations, transcending geographical borders to contribute to a global dialogue on sustainability and urban resilience.

“Bridging the Megacity” addresses the complex web of challenges that define the modern megacity of tomorrow. The designed bridges are not just physical connections over the Han River; they embody the multifaceted solutions that our cities demand for the future. We step beyond traditional architecture’s boundaries and delve into urban planning, social cohesion, ecological preservation, and technological innovation.

In this era of unprecedented urbanisation, cities worldwide grapple with a pressing need for collective spaces that foster interaction and community engagement. The showcased bridges exemplify the fusion of design and purpose, offering platforms for ‘soft traffic’, social convergence, artistic no_no_no_no_no_expression, and cultural exchange. These bridges are not just functional conduits; they are vibrant arenas that catalyse connections and invigorate the social fabric of the megacity.

In the exhibition, we witness designs incorporating lush green spaces, seamlessly integrating parks and green belts into the bridge’s structure. These projects speak to the essential role of nature in urban environments, where urbanites can seek refuge in bustling city life. Through these bridges, the Han River is no longer a barrier; it becomes a thread weaving together vibrant oases of tranquillity and respite.

The issue of biodiversity, often overshadowed by urban expansion, takes centre stage in “Bridging the Megacity.” Some designs introduce wildlife corridors and habitats integrated into the bridge’s structure, fostering coexistence between the human-built environment and the natural world. These bridges stand as living testimonies to the fact that urbanisation need not come at the cost of biodiversity; it can catalyse its rejuvenation.

The megacity’s thirst for clean water and water regulation is met head-on by innovative designs that incorporate cutting-edge water collection and purification systems into the very fabric of the bridges. These designs mirror the urgency of addressing water scarcity, proposing holistic solutions that transform bridges into lifelines, and offering to regulate and deliver clean water to the heart of the urban landscape.

Urban farming, an emerging imperative for securing local food production, takes centre stage in some of these visionary designs. The bridges become fertile ground for cultivating crops, vertical gardens, and hydroponic installations. They epitomise the harmonisation of agriculture and urbanity, ensuring the megacity’s sustenance while forging a direct connection between the community and its food sources.

Air quality, a pivotal concern in the face of rising pollution levels, finds innovative solutions within the designs showcased. The bridges incorporate green technologies, acting as conduits for clean air corridors that help mitigate pollution and improve the well-being of urban dwellers. These designs underscore that architecture can be a driving force for improving the quality of life, actively contributing to the health of the megacity’s inhabitants.

“Bridging the Megacity” transcends architectural speculation. It embodies hope, innovation, and a shared commitment to transforming our cities into resilient, sustainable, and inclusive spaces. These projects for potential future bridges crossing the Han River of Seoul are more than artistic renderings; they are catalysts for dialogue, springboards for action, and beacons of possibility.

Curator: Leif Høgfeldt Hansen
Venue: Songhyeon Green Plaza
Participating Schools: Kyonggi University, Korea University, University of Tokyo, University of Rome Sapienza, Meiji University, Monash University (MADA), Montana State University, Politecnico di Milano, Bengal Institute for Architecture, Bond University, Pusan National University, San Francisco Academy of Art University, Sydney University of Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design SUTD, Iowa State University, University of Alicante, Aalto University, Yonsei University, Aarhus School of Architecture, The Oslo School of Architecture and Design, The Ohio State University, Ewha Womans University, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile？, Cooper Union, Tongji University, Pratt Institute, University of Hawaii, Hanyang University, Hanyang University ERICA