Browsing by Author "Nummikoski, Milla"

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    Telakkaranta - a Cultural Harbour to Hietalahti Helsinki
    (2010) Nummikoski, Milla; Hyrkäs, Johanna; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu; School of Engineering; Harris, Trevor
    This thesis aims to map the potential of a former shipyard area, Telakkaranta, before its future use and development has been determined. The goal is to make an inventory of the area and use it as a basis for both future planning and an upcoming architectural competition. The thesis also clarifies the background for cultural activities and their development in Helsinki. The analysis part of the thesis is based on literature, interviews and the historical archives of Helsinki City. The Hietalahti waterfront area is among the first industrial areas in the city and the shipyard has been one of the last remaining industrial functions there. Industrial activity has been cleared from the area following a global trend of central industrial areas transforming to residential use while the industrial actors relocate to cheaper, spacious and well connected areas. In Helsinki, too, urban expansion has reached the old industrial areas originally located outside the city fabric, causing the industries to find new premises in less dense areas. The Hietalahti waterfront has housed - and partly still does - sea-related industries such as the shipyard and harbour, but also construction material industries due to the raw materials present in the and areas. In addition, several other types of industrial actors have been located there, so it is not possible to make a distinct categorisation. Future activities can be chosen so that they support historical continuity. Developing Telakkaranta for cultural use is based on its outstanding location right on the edge of the city centre. The public transport connections to the area are good and they will further improve with the development of Hernesaari. The central location of the area obliges to develop it with an ecologically sustainable city centre type of density. The area contains various types of buildings, many of which are historically valuable. Fragments of the industrial past combined with the rough and rugged buildings give the area its unique atmosphere. New construction should fit into this environment and the characteristics of the existing buildings should be maintained when renovated. The Hietalahti bay is dominated by harbour and shipyard activities. The built area on the eastern shore of Hietalahti connects directly to the city fabric. The city structure in Hietalahti is layered and contains various traces of the industrial past. Busy traffic cuts through the area, causing noise in the pedestrian realm. The sea gives the area a marine character, but the recreational route that runs along the city centre waterfront is in need of improvement. The Telakkaranta area is situated on this route and may spark some ideas for enhancement. The Punavuori district right beside Telakkaranta is a diverse and vital neighbourhood and building on its existing infrastructure and services provides a foundation for developing Telakkaranta. The concentration of creative actors in Punavuori has occurred thanks to the combination of cheap rental spaces and a youthful atmosphere - a force that can be used in creating activities in Telakkaranta as well. Creative entrepreneurs are also located in the blocks bordering the area. Design District Helsinki is an example of consciously making use of the creative actors in developing the reputation and value of Punavuori area. Creating a second focal point for the Design District in Telakkaranta brings the area closer to Punavuori and makes the whole district accessible for international cruise passengers. The surrounding areas of the dock, including the soon and already vacant industrial and harbour areas, will be strongly developed by constructing mainly dense and city-like residential buildings. A total of 20 000 new residents will move to Jätkäsaari and Hernesaari areas and Telakkaranta will offer a cultural living room and specialised services for these people. The construction of Telakkaranta is part of a larger scheme to develop the waterfront areas of the city and open them up for the citizens to use. The blocks nearby vary in age and composition as they have been built gradually over time. Examples of combining new architecture with old industrial buildings can be found within short distance. The history of Helsinki as a cultural city is young and if one excludes the fine arts cultural activity is yet to find its form. On the other hand, the city hosts a variety of events and festivals. The importance of culture in society is increasing and culture should not be separated from everyday life but rather seen as an essential part of it. Culture requires also a lot of space and the need for space is on the rise in Helsinki. The city has a strong role as an enabler of diverse cultural activities. Nevertheless, in comparison to international examples, a change in attitude is needed.