A botanical bridge, not just a walkway, but a vibrant artery connecting Seoul’s urban fabric. That’s the Design Arboretum. It breathes new life into the city. The Design Arboretum, also known as Seoullo 7017, is more than just a garden. It’s a symbol of urban renewal.
Imagine, if you will, an overpass transformed. Once a forgotten piece of infrastructure from the 1970s, it now blooms with life. MVRDV, a Dutch studio, won a competition in 2015 to create this space. Their vision was to change the daily lives of Seoul’s citizens.
The Design Arboretum opened to the public. It is home to 24000 plants. This floating walkway features a matrix of Korean flora. The plants sit on a 16-meter elevated structure of steel and concrete.
The name Seoullo 7017 tells a story. “Seoullo” means “towards Seoul” or “Seoul Street”. The numbers represent the overpass’s construction year, 1970, and its rebirth as a walkway in 2017.
Consider this park a plant village. The Design Arboretum boasts over 200 local species. These trees, shrubs, and flowers create a walkable plant library. MVRDV gathered 50 plant families. They displayed them in 645 tree pots. In total, there are around 228 species and subspecies. The park includes 24000 plants. These will grow to their final heights over the next decade.
Winy Maas, co-founder of MVRDV, calls the Design Arboretum a living dictionary. It showcases South Korea’s natural heritage in the city center. The Design Arboretum aims to connect city dwellers with nature. It also offers amazing views of the Historical Seoul Station and Namdaemun Gate.
Notice the containers. They organize plant families by size and height. The families are ordered according to the Korean alphabet. This creates surprising spatial compositions. The linear park is a collection of small gardens. Each has its own perfume, color, and identity. The landscape changes with the seasons. Maples display bright colors in autumn. Cherry trees and rhododendrons blossom in spring. Evergreen conifers stand tall in winter. Shrubs and trees bear fruit in summer.
The Design Arboretum has shops, galleries, tea houses, and restaurants. They are located underneath the bridge. This viaduct is inhabited by a plant village. These additions enhance the user experience. They boost the park with cultural and commercial activities. Small mobile pots hold seeds and plants. These can be used later in the bigger pots.
Multiple stairs, lifts, and escalators connect the city to the park. At night, blue lights illuminate the Design Arboretum. This contrasts with the bright city lights. The color is friendly to nature. During festivals, the park’s colors change. It remains accessible 24/7.
The Design Arboretum is an educational space. It is a nursery for future species. As plants grow, they can be transferred to other parts of Seoul. It’s a garden that extends its reach.
The Design Arboretum revitalizes Seoul. It offers a green escape and a unique perspective. It is a testament to innovative urban planning. It’s a place where nature and city life intertwine. It connects people and plants.