Floating on the surface of Suseongmot Lake in Daegu, South Korea, “Suseongmot Floating Hills” proposes a new way of experiencing public space, where architecture becomes inseparable from the surrounding landscape. Designed by Studio Parkkim, the project transforms the lake into a cultural destination, creating an open-air venue that appears to emerge naturally from the water.
Selected through an international design competition, the proposal consists of eight interconnected floating islands that function together as a large amphitheater. Rather than adopting the appearance of a traditional performance venue, the islands are shaped as soft, elongated landforms covered with vegetation, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly into its natural setting.
Connected by a network of pedestrian pathways, the floating landscape is designed to host a wide variety of cultural events, from concerts and performances to public celebrations and community gatherings. The venue can accommodate around 1,500 visitors through a combination of conventional seating areas and gently sloped grassy terraces that encourage a more informal relationship between audience and performance.
Although the project presents itself as a natural extension of the lake, its engineering is highly sophisticated. Beneath the planted surfaces lies a hybrid structural system that combines concrete elements with fiber-reinforced polymer technology, providing the strength and buoyancy necessary to support the floating platform while maintaining its organic appearance.
Its location further reinforces the project’s cultural significance. Positioned near a pedestrian bridge designed by renowned Japanese architect Junya Ishigami, the floating amphitheater contributes to the ongoing transformation of the lake into a contemporary public destination. Here, the water is no longer merely a backdrop but an active participant in the experience, becoming part of the visual and atmospheric setting for every event.
More than a performance venue, “Suseongmot Floating Hills” explores the intersection of architecture, landscape design and public culture. By dissolving the boundaries between built form and nature, Studio Parkkim has created a space where visitors can experience art, community and the environment as part of a single continuous landscape.
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Photo: (c) Mir