Heatherwick Studio’s Nodeul Island Project

April 13, 2026

Heatherwick Studio’s Nodeul Island project is set to make a remarkable transformation on Nodeul Island, a man-made island located on the banks of the Han River in Seoul. The British architecture firm, Heatherwick Studio, will transform this once-neglected urban space into a dynamic public park. The project, designed to transform the deserted Nodeul Island on the Han River, will become one of Seoul’s most strategic waterfront destinations.

221 The core of the studio’s concept is to create a hyper-physical environment. The design team utilizes the island’s unique ecological character, particularly its native plant species and pristine natural landscape, to transform Seoul into a public park.

The studio creates an organic flow by interweaving paths and green spaces, inviting visitors to explore and interact with their surroundings. In recognition of the island’s aural potential, the Artificial Island Project in Seoul aims to be a celebration of Korean Music Culture.

218 The ground floor is a vibrant public park housing a variety of creative spaces. Here, visitors will find artist studios, interactive workshops, and flexible gallery spaces designed to host exhibitions and live performances.

Upstairs, visitors will find a lush, elevated public park, featuring meandering paths, tranquil botanical gardens, and a variety of recreational areas.

222 The project was selected as the winner of a competitive international architectural design competition held by the Seoul Metropolitan Municipality in 2023, out of 192 entries. The design has been praised for its forward-thinking vision for urban revitalization, particularly for its innovative combination of a public park and a cultural center.