Magok Waterfront and Bridge Competition

The Olympic and Yangcheon Bridges were developed as part of our team’s entry for the 2008 International Design Competition for the Magok Waterfront in Seoul, South Korea. The vehicular bridges are three-dimensional variations on a steel bowstring truss, adapted to the unique constraints and opportunities of their sites. Each truss is comprised of three chord elements, a single arched top chord and two bottom chords, which together form a triangle in section that varies in shape across the length of the span. These chords are interconnected by steel tension cables as well as steel plate “sails” which enhance the three-dimensionality of the truss. The “sails” also create distinct view corridors towards the marina and the river from the roadway. While the linear geometry of the Olympic Bridge suits its role as the visual gateway to the marina, the Yangcheon Bridge is adapted to the curve of the roadway and scaled down in proportion to its narrower width, both of which complement its surrounding context.