Seoul Takes First Steps Toward the Next 100 Years
On March 21, the Nexus Seoul Next 100: City Architect Partners Forum was held in the multipurpose hall on the 8th floor of Seoul City Hall. Centered on the theme “Seoul Asks, the World Answers,” the forum aimed to explore the vision and direction of Seoul’s comprehensive urban and architectural plan for the next century. Structured as a dialogue, the event featured questions from Seoul’s City Architect Kang Byeong-geun—posing challenges on behalf of the city—and responses from City Architect Partners from around the globe. It brought together domestic and international experts, alongside citizens, to collectively consider how to enhance Seoul’s urban dignity and improve quality of life.
From Construction to Community
In his keynote, Kang called for a shift from object-centered urban development to a people- and community-centered paradigm. “Cities should no longer be defined by construction but by their role in restoring community,” he emphasized. Highlighting the importance of reconnecting “people and nature,” “people and people,” and “technology and people,” Kang underscored these linkages as essential strategies for the future city. To address the climate crisis and fragmented urban structures, he proposed increasing Seoul’s green coverage to 100%, promoting the “15-minute city” model, and revitalizing shared low-rise spaces. This speech served as both a declaration and a global invitation for dialogue.
Global Visions Respond to Seoul’s Call
International Chief Architect Partners responded with visions for Seoul’s future drawn from their local and professional contexts.
French architect Dominique Perrault advocated for transforming underground spaces into public realms through his ‘Groundscape’ concept. His design for the Ewha Womans University campus—where natural light redefines underground architecture—demonstrates this approach. He noted that his current project in Gangnam continues this trajectory, blending above- and below-ground realms and integrating pedestrian networks with transit infrastructure to create public-centered, hybrid urban space.
Dutch architect Ben van Berkel introduced the idea of the “5-minute city,” proposing the creation of vertical neighborhoods within high-rise structures to foster community even in dense urban cores. Drawing on examples from Amsterdam, he illustrated how integrating residential, commercial, and cultural functions within walkable proximity improves efficiency and livability. He also advocated for reconfiguring urban space around autonomous and electric vehicles to prioritize pedestrian environments over car-oriented infrastructure.
German architect Jürgen Mayer H. outlined five principles for a resilient urban future: strengthening community through public space, promoting vertical mixed-use zoning, enhancing eco-friendly mobility, implementing adaptive water management, and reconnecting cities with nature. He also highlighted emerging technologies—such as carbon-absorbing materials, self-healing asphalt, and transparent solar panels—as tools for achieving a sustainable urban vision.
Ecological Infrastructure and Human-Centered Design
American landscape architect James Corner and British designer Thomas Heatherwick participated via video, offering insights on the ecological and emotional dimensions of urban design.
Corner emphasized that parks and gardens must evolve from recreational spaces into essential ecological infrastructure. Citing the High Line in New York and the Tidal Basin restoration project in Washington, D.C., he argued for adaptive design strategies responsive to climate change and urban transformation. He urged Seoul to embrace parks as multifunctional systems—managing stormwater, restoring ecosystems, and mitigating climate impacts.
Heatherwick focused on humanizing the city. He advocated for architecture that transcends function to engage the senses, inspire curiosity, and build identity. Referencing the human scale and rich visual detail of traditional Korean hanok, he suggested Seoul could lead globally by reinterpreting these qualities in a contemporary urban context. His recent projects—Thousand Trees in Shanghai and Azabudai Hills in Tokyo—exemplify the fusion of nature and architecture to foster belonging and emotional connection. As General Director of the 2025 Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, Heatherwick pledged to continue developing ideas for a more human-centered Seoul in partnership with its citizens.
Despite differing perspectives, the international speakers converged on common themes: blending nature and urbanism, reimagining public spaces, and harmonizing technology with design. Collectively, they affirmed Seoul’s potential to emerge as a leading model for human-centered, future-ready cities.
What Should Seoul Become in 100 Years?
The forum concluded with a comprehensive panel discussion moderated by Kang Byeong-geun. Participants included architects and professors from leading Korean universities—Koo Ja-hoon (Hanyang University), Choi Moon-kyu (Yonsei University), Maeng Pil-soo (Seoul National University), John Hong (Seoul National University), and Oh Woong-seong (Hongik University)—joined by the international speakers.
Three key themes structured the debate: nature, people, and technology.
Professor Maeng highlighted the limitations of Seoul’s spatial expansion and called for strategies that prioritize coexistence with nature. He proposed “emptying out” the city as a new model—reclaiming space to enhance urban quality. Professor Oh suggested integrating traditional Korean garden culture into modern urban design, identifying green infrastructure as a pillar of sustainability.
On the human scale, Professor Koo emphasized the role of public spaces in fostering social interaction. Professor Choi stressed the importance of inclusive design, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled, and children. He noted that delivering comfort and safety through urban design requires strong collaboration between government and designers.
Jürgen Mayer continued the discussion on technology, predicting that science and AI will soon play an integral role in urban ecosystem management—from air purification to plant care. He envisioned a future where digital systems coordinate urban life across communication, climate, and ecology.
Closing the forum, Kang Byeong-geun remarked, “If Seoul is to become a sustainable city of the future, we must begin working with our citizens now.” International experts echoed his sentiment, suggesting that Seoul’s experimental approach could set a new global standard for urban innovation.
Building the Foundation for Seoul’s Next Century
This forum marked a pivotal moment in Seoul’s journey toward its next 100 years. Experts agreed on the need to shift from a development-driven paradigm to a holistic urban model where nature, people, and technology are harmonized. The focus must move from “urbanizing nature” to “naturalizing the city,” and from “construction” to “community-building.”
Seoul plans to translate these ideas into actionable mid- and long-term urban policies while continuing to incorporate public and expert input. “The future Seoul should not be shaped by monumental structures, but by the participation and agency of every citizen,” said Kang. “The city will take responsibility to realize the vision we’ve discussed today.”
As cities around the world respond to the pressures of climate change, demographic shifts, and technological disruption, Seoul’s initiative to convene a global conversation offers a model for collaborative urban transformation. With its first step taken, Seoul must continue forums like this to build a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking future.
