Design Proposal for 'Yangjaegogae Eco Bridge Design Competition', June 2017

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‘Pleated Curve’ for Yangjaegogae Eco Bridge proposes a creative structural design with steel truss folded plate structure in curved form.  This lightweight structure provides a unique and slender silhouette with a pleat. The curvature also creates welcoming scenery from the Gyeongbu Expressway toward Seoul. The valleys formed by folded structure plates naturally configure space for the two paths (Eco-path and pedestrian) which is segregated. Considering the location of the bridge, ‘Pleated Curve’ proposes a self-sufficient bridge using renewable and recyclable energy by PV (photovoltaic system) and recycle water for irrigation for the plants and trees on the bridge. The landscape plan of Eco Bridge for the animals is harmonious with the natural geographical features and a gentle slope at the entrance area at both parks and provides diverse vegetation and features for enhancing the habitat environment of living creatures. ‘Pleated Curve’ will be an innovative structure and sustainable design for unique scenery as a new way of ecological connection as well as a new gateway of Seoul.

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Structure

Proposal is aiming to avoid conventional bridge structures like box truss or suspension bridge for 90m span to provide a unique structural design approach for new gateway of Seoul. ‘Pleated Curve' proposes 'Folding Structure' - Steel truss folded plate is composed of steel truss members triangulated to form a stiff, stable lattice. This folding structure system allows lightening overall structure as efficient way to span and also for slender visual effect. This lightweight structure is sitting on the reinforced concrete footing at both ends. Configuring pleat profile naturally segregates between eco-path and pedestrian path horizontally and vertically while pedestrian still able to look down the landscape. Plates at both sides work as stiffening structure also work as balustrade. Bending is made for the strength of folded plate structure as well as for the relaxation of circulation paths. The gently curved silhouette is visually welcoming toward Seoul while dynamic convex in the opposite direction.

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Landscape

The landscape plan of Eco Bridge for the animals is harmonious with the natural geographical features and a gentle slope at the entrance area at both parks and provides diverse vegetation and features for enhancing the habitat environment of living creatures. The vegetation is based on the behaviors of the Animals. The food plants are located at the entrance area like saw tooth oak tree and wild pear tree to induce animals to the bridge, and the path of animals is directed by logs which give shelter to small animals. The border of path is covered by tall trees such as Elm tree, Wild Cherry tree, Amur Maple tree, Ash tree, etc. to block the lights and noises of the vehicle, and induce animals to the path. All vegetation is indigenous to neighboring parks for minimizing a sense of difference. The path starting from both parks is merged and split continuously. The curves created by the path wave gently, which gives natural way for the wild creatures. The shrub layers are located in the spaces between diverged paths for small animals to hide themselves. Along with tall trees mostly located in border of the path, it forms multi-layered structure of plants. Also, the puddle located in a low point of the path leads amphibians and reptiles, and is become habitat of them. Pile of stones and logs lies inside of shrub layer as shelter to small animals.

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Sustainable System
SELF-SUFFICIENT BRIDGE (RENEWABLE / RECYCLABLE) 
‘Pleated Curve’ proposes a self-sufficient bridge using renewable and recyclable energy by PV (photovoltaic system) and recycle water for irrigation for the plants and trees on the bridge. PV (photovoltaic system) panels facing south provide enough electricity for bridge lighting and water pump. Rainwater flows down by sloped surface and the water through the soil are collected, and purified by sedimentation and then filtration before flowing into the water tank where the clear water is being pumped for irrigation. Other necessary wires, disposal, service duct are located at the bottom box. This self-sufficient bridge provides sustainable and ecological connect on the deck and below the deck as an integrated system.

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Project: Pleated Curve
Organizer and ordering agency: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Type: Design Competition
Location: San 30-18 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Yangjaegogae), Korea
Architect: skimA
Date: June 2017
Status: Proposal

Team: Sejin Kim, Yunseon Cho, Minsoo Kim