In the dynamic realm of urban development, these innovative parks redefine cityscapes worldwide. Seoullo 7017 Sky Garden transforms a former inner-city highway into a lush green oasis at the heart of Seoul, while Singapore‘s Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park exemplifies the city-state’s commitment to repurposing water bodies for vibrant community spaces. Eleftheria Square in Nicosia, Cyprus, seamlessly blends historical fortifications with modern urban design, envisioning a green belt around the city. Vancouver’s Smithe-Richards Urban Park sets a new standard for downtown spaces, emphasizing three-dimensional community experiences, and Hoboken’s Pier C Park showcases adaptive reuse along the Hudson River waterfront. In Abu Dhabi, Al Fay Park pioneers urban biodiversity and microclimate optimization. These projects collectively signify a global shift in urban planning, prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and harmonious integration of nature into urban living.
Seoullo 7017 Sky Garden
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Area: 9661 sq. m..
Year: 2017
Client: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, a true plant village has been realized on a former inner-city highway in an ever-changing urban area accommodating the biggest variety of Korean flora. Designed by MVRDV with a surface area of 9661 sq.m, the sky garden is one of the catalysts for a greener and more sustainable Seoul.
The overpass constructed in the year 1970 was converted into a public walkway in the year 2017. The pedestrian viaduct next to Seoul’s main station is the next step towards making the city greener, friendlier, and more attractive while connecting all patches of green in the wider area. This former inner city highway accommodates the biggest variety of plant species and transforms into a public 983-meter-long park gathering 50 families of plants including trees, shrubs, and flowers displayed in 645 tree pots, collecting around 228 species and subspecies. In total, the park will include 24,000 plants that are newly planted and will eventually grow to their ultimate heights in the upcoming decade.
The linear park is arranged according to the Korean alphabet and designed as a collection of small gardens, each one with its very own composition, color, perfume, and identity. Additional structures of stairs, lifts, and escalators as well as satellite gardens connecting to the sky garden will connect it to the surroundings through plant species related to the neighborhood.
The Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Location: Singapore
Area: 140 sq. km.
Year: 2007-2010
Client: Public Utilities Board and National Parks Board
Designed by Henning Larsen the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and the Kallang River are part of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) program, a long-term initiative to transform Singapore’s water bodies beyond their function of drainage and water supply into vibrant new spaces for community and recreation. The park is located in Singapore with an area of 140 sq. km and was completed in 2010. Bishan Park stands out as one of the city-state’s most beloved parks. Recently, a comprehensive upgrade initiative was undertaken to enhance the park and augment the capacity of the Kallang channel that runs alongside it. Simultaneously, efforts were made to convert the previously utilitarian concrete channel into a more naturalized river, introducing fresh spaces for the community to appreciate and enjoy.
A once linear and rigid 2.7 km concrete drainage channel has undergone a transformation into a sinuous, 3.2 km natural river that gracefully winds its way through the park. A total of 62 hectares of the park have been redesigned to embrace the dynamic characteristics of a river system, accommodating fluctuating water levels to offer optimal benefits for park users.
The revitalized space now features three playgrounds, restaurants, a new lookout point constructed from recycled walls of the former concrete channel, and ample open green areas. These additions complement the ecological marvel of a rejuvenated river seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape.
Eleftheira Square
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Area: 35,200 sq.m.
Year: 2005-2021
Client: Nicosia Municipality
With an open area of 35200 sq.m. and interior area of 7175 sq.m, the Eleftheria Square, located near the center of Nicosia, spanning multiple levels, is constructed within a segment of the dry moat, delineated by the Venetian Walls. Eleftheria Square has been envisioned as the initial phase of a much larger urban plan that may be the reason for the unification of the divided capital of Nicosia as narrated by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). The design ensures the fortifications as an integral part of Nicosia’s identity, while also opening the moat for the public creating an orbital park that surrounds the city. With new civic plazas, gardens, and palm-lined promenades, the moat can become a ‘green belt’ around the city. These new public spaces are extended to follow the ancient city walls and encircle Nicosia which reconnects the communities of the divided capital of Nicosia.
The largest civic plaza in Nicosia, designed by ZHA, Eleftheria Square integrates history with optimism. Serving as a gateway to the old city while bridging the Venetian walls and moat, the relocation of parking underground has enabled pedestrianization. ZHA’s transformation creates new public spaces like gardens and plazas, harmonizing Nicosia’s rich past history with a vibrant future for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The unique geometries of the forms shape the distinct character of various spaces, fostering dynamic interactions between activities above and below. Patterned markings on the granite paving delineate different sections and outline elements like benches and planters within the landscape.
Smithe-Richards Urban Park
Location: Vancouver, BC
Year: 2022
Client: Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
Located in Vancouver, BC this urban park was designed by DIALOG. After multiple discussions and meetings with stakeholder groups, municipal government, and the designers the end product is a dynamic concept that will serve downtown residents and visitors. The park includes a children’s playground with a custom-built, three-storey climbing structure and slide, and the various areas throughout the park are accessible with paved pathways along with ample seating.
“This park marks an important chapter in the transformation of downtown Vancouver. Setting a standard for innovative, high-capacity, three-dimensional community spaces, this park demonstrates how to deliver access to nature, leisure, health, and community connection in a dense urban setting – and is like nothing Vancouver has seen before,” said Dave Hutch, director of planning and park development of the Vancouver Park Board, in a statement.
The elevated pathway that runs through sky frames further establishes a sense of place and provides the structural supports for nighttime string lights and public art installations. It is designed in such a way that people of every age can use them. 10,000 residents and 17,000 employees have benefited because of the proximity to the park.
Pier C Park
Location: Hoboken, New Jersey
Area: 1.25 acres
Year: 2010
Client: City of Hoboken
Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc., Pier C Park is located along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Hoboken, New Jersey with an area of 1.25 acre. This project is a part of the city’s ongoing efforts to provide recreational open spaces at the water’s edge. The recently constructed recreational pier is tailored for users of all ages, offering a dynamic space for active enjoyment. This innovative park seamlessly complements adjacent parks in both programmatic offerings and architectural design.
Situated within the original rectilinear footprint of the former maritime Pier C, initially utilized as a parking lot before falling into disrepair and abandonment, the new pier boasts a sculptural landscape that mimics the shapes of a barrier beach. Inside, the space transforms into a playful landscape, resembling a whimsical miniature world deliberately crafted to captivate children of varying ages and abilities. Pier C departs from the industrial and maritime focus of the past, ushering in a new era of waterfront programming centered around recreation and public accessibility.
The playground is divided into preschool and school-age sections, featuring climbing structures, slides, sand and water play areas, rockers, and spinners. A continuous tricycle path winds through the play area, and a strategically placed park building facilitates easy toy distribution by staff. At the eastern edge of the pier, the Promenade is a cherished spot for families and individuals to walk, run, and appreciate the Hudson-to-Manhattan view. Alongside lawns for sunbathing and casual games, ample waterfront seating is provided.
Al Fay Park, Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Area: 27,500 sq.m.
Year: 2019-2021
Client: The Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi
Designed by SLA, the Al Fay Park in Abu Dhabi represents a paradigm shift In how to design and implement city nature in the dense megacities of the Middle East. The 17,500 sq.m, park is the first urban park in UAE focusing on biodiversity, social activities, and microclimate optimization. Crafted for both aesthetic appeal and climatic excellence, Al Fay Park aims to be the trendiest and coolest destination in town.
Leveraging cutting-edge insights in microclimate optimization and urban sustainability, the park features a dense array of trees and state-of-the-art irrigation systems. As a result, it consumes 40 percent less water than conventional parks, offering a refreshing, comfortable, and distinctive space for residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi to gather, play, and thrive at any time of day. Al Fay Park contains more than 2,000 native trees and bushes including the national Ghaf trees that have been replanted from desert nurseries into the park, all specifically chosen to strengthen biodiversity for both plants and animals.
“Al Fay Park is a new type of forest park in Abu Dhabi. Through our extensive research in the region’s flora and fauna, we create a new paradigm for how to think and design the public realm in the Middle East. Al Fay Park is a celebration of Abu Dhabi’s nature and culture and a prime example of how to maximize climate action, increase life quality, and radically improve the biodiversity of an entire city – all on a former sand site,” says Rasmus Astrup, Design Principal and Partner in SLA.
Al Fay Park is the UAE’s first showcase of how to strengthen urban biodiversity while creating a cool, comfortable, and unique round-the-clock public realm for all residents and visitors to meet, play, and live. The park aims to create an environment that encourages community members to socially engage with each other while also connecting with nature.
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