Heatherwick Studio has unveiled their proposal for a public waterfront development in Seoul, South Korea. The proposal forms part of a wider sports and cultural district close to the site of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

Named The Leaf, the Heatherwick scheme consists of a multi-level pier sitting on the Han River. The pier features a walkable roofscape with undulating surfaces, consisting of winding trails, water gardens, play areas, observation points, and an event/auditorium space. The roofscape folds upwards at the edges to create lower-level waterside spaces as well as a marina for water taxis and leisure craft.

“At the heart of our project is the idea of playful togetherness,” said Heatherwick Partner and Project Lead, Stuart Wood. “We want this to be a refreshing and dynamic new civic space for the city of Seoul where people come to laugh, explore, and connect. Somewhere joyful and restorative for everyone.”

Heatherwick is one of a number of architectural studios involved in the consortium behind the wider Jamsil Sports–MICE Complex, including Benoy, Populous, dA Architecture Group, and NOW Architects.

The Leaf follows on from Heatherwick’s design of the Little Island elevated river park in New York City, which opened in May of last year. The UK-based firm has also previously designed a waterfront amenity and park along San Francisco’s pier, titled The Cove.

Earlier this month, meanwhile, the firm unveiled their updated design for the towering 1700 Alberni development in Vancouver, almost one year on from the project’s original unveiling.