Waterfront Door/Into the Ocean
The ‘Waterfront Door/Into the Ocean’ project in Busan, South Korea has transformed the coastal strip of Millak waterside park into a vibrant public space. This project was part of the competition, ‘Public art project: Art for our town, Busan’ organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism of Korea, aimed at creating safe community spaces during the pandemic through artistic interventions by local artists.
Italian architects Ico Migliore and Mara Servetto, along with Art SoHyang art gallery, collaborated with over 40 local artists to translate Migliore’s sketch into a large-scale waterfront design, showcasing the enriching dialogue between art and design, and the cross-cultural exchange between Italy and Asia.
The result is a modern urban space that addresses the changing needs of the pandemic context, providing open-air areas for gathering while adhering to social distancing requirements. The project redefines the city as a ‘collective home’ through new urban tapestries.
The coastal path of Minrak Waterfront Park has been adorned with wave patterns and sea creature images, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. The project has revitalized the park into a familiar and welcoming space through the hands of local artists, providing a safe community space for people to gather once again.
The colorful patterns inspired by the marine world are the brainchild of Italian architect Ico Migliore and his colleague Mara Servetto, creating a promenade along the shore that offers breathtaking views of the sea and serves as an imaginary playground for children. The vibrant colors of the design symbolize Busan as a maritime city that embraces the sea.
The ‘Waterfront Door/Into the Ocean’ project exemplifies how art and design can transform urban spaces into safe and inviting community areas. It represents a successful cultural exchange and response to the changing needs of the pandemic context, reimagining Millak waterside park as a place for people to gather, relax, and enjoy the beauty of art and nature.
Project: Waterfront Door/Into the Ocean / Location: Gwang-An-Ri, Busan, S.Korea / Architect: Migliore+Servetto / Completion: 2021.4 / Photograph: ©Hoyeon Shin (courtesy of the architect); ©JUNLEEPHOTOS (courtesy of the architect)
