This project represents a unique and creative international collaboration. Baizhu Architecture from Shanghai and Carve from Amsterdam, with valuable support from local Korean landscape designer Walter Ryu, have successfully developed a design proposal for a public leisure facility in Seoul, South Korea.
To enhance the existing public amenities at the Hanjiang Citizen Park swimming pool in the Sericulture District, Seoul initiated a design competition. The goal was to rejuvenate these 30-year-old public facilities located along the Hanjiang River. The project goes beyond just renovating the pool; it aims to transform the entire park into a vibrant public gathering space within the city.
Our vision extends beyond the pool renovation — it seeks to restore the natural landscape and breathe new life into the urban lifestyle. Hanjiang Park is envisioned as a significant cultural and ecological landmark in Seoul, accessible and welcoming year-round.
The proposal integrates the swimming pool complex with adjacent cultural facilities. Situated between the Sagak Sagak Art District to the west and the Plant Learning Center to the east, the design links these three areas with winding, interconnected pedestrian paths. This seamless connection encourages easy pedestrian flow and transforms the riverbank into a prominent “natural relay station.”
△ Functional zoning
The design draws inspiration from Tai Chi, a traditional Korean symbol featured on the national flag, representing honor and loyalty. This iconic symbol is depicted as a perfect circle divided into two halves—red and blue—symbolizing the universe’s balance.
△ Design Concept
At the heart of our design is the balance between nature and architecture, embodied in the circular Tai Chi-inspired structure. A pedestrian path encircles the main swimming facilities and concludes at the riverbank, where an observation deck extends over the river. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Han River.
The elevated, curved pedestrian walkway effectively separates noise from the nearby elevated bridge, while accommodating indoor facilities beneath the circular path. This walkway flattens near the riverside promenade to ease pedestrian access and extends beyond the riverbank, creating two walkable docks that overlook the river and the revitalized natural riverbank.
Partial analysis of △ circular elevated bridge
The staggered, undulating circular paths create diverse opportunities for public activities throughout the park. Embraced by nature, these interconnected spaces offer entertainment and leisure for all ages. The design includes a children’s interactive area for sports, relaxation, shade, and close contact with nature, resulting in a multifunctional park suitable for everyone.
All swimming pools are designed with sustainability in mind, naturally purifying their water using a wetland plant filtration system planted with reeds around the pools. The purification process is naturally maintained by bacteria living in the roots of these reeds.
△ Water treatment facilities
△ Functional layout of the swimming pool area
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Design Drawings
△ Exploded axonometric diagram
△ Overall site plan and sectional view
△ General layout plan
△ Section AA’
△ Section BB’
△ Section CC’
△ Section DD’
Project Information
Project Name: Jianghan Park Natural Swimming Pool
Designers: Baizhu Design (Shanghai) + Carve (Amsterdam)
Baizhu Design Team: Marcial Jesús, Javier González, Lara Broglio, Mónica Páez, Keith Gong, Cosima Jiang, Ponyo Zhao, Elena Michelutti
Carve Design Team: Elger Blitz, Marleen Beek, Elke Krausmann, Susanna Vissani, Gaia Gleriani, Wilco Spruyt
Local Collaborator (Seoul): Walter Ryu
Korean Landscape Architect: Ureen
Owner: Seoul Metropolitan Hanjiang Project Headquarters
Area: 75,000 square meters
Status: Conceptual Design
Location: Seoul, South Korea
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