Concept
The Eco Bridge proposal is based on a simple and pure idea: to recreate the link that once existed in the current infrastructural void with a spatial structure that would be atmospherically reminiscent of a pictorial passage through the southern slopes of the two discontinued mountain peaks of Mt Umyeon and Maljukgeori Parks.
The proposal is inspired by the naturally green integrity of the mountain peaks, the inherent part of Mt Umyeon and Maljukgeori Parks, and the landscape experience of the accompanying side slope paths.
The landscape of the bridge is informed by the natural, informal, simplistic and unforced nature of Korean gardens. The architectural language of the structure is sensitive to the rhythmic nature of traditional Korean garden pavilions that invite all to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Dual structure
The two intended environments suggest a structural concept: an arch bridge (central core) providing a straight human path, integrated with a suspended bridge structure that forms a gently undulating slope between the two mountain peaks for the animals.
The structure is positioned in the altitude that is appropriate to separate the human and animal realms in the elevation (upper part for nature and the lower part for people).
A landscape for animal transit
Mountain peak habitat formation on both access zones of the habitat bridge is achieved by keeping the upper parts of the two linked mountain peaks uninterrupted by people for the priority of the animals and the continuation of this elevated privilege with the help of the structurally formed slope of the new eco-structure.
The path for human passage
Continuation of the existing mountain slope surface with the help of the bridge is extending the spatial experience of walking the path near a slope.
Sided on the two discontinued south slopes, the bridge is less windy and mostly sunlit, which follows a naturally dualistic spatial experience of walking on the side of the mountain – panoramas at one end and close-ups of the hillside landscape at the other. Only the midpoint of the bridge reveals the spectacular panoramic view of Seoul in the north.
