Browsing by Author "Vainio, Antti Tuomas"
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Item Berlin - Pasila - St. Petersburg(2010) Vainio, Antti Tuomas; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu; School of Engineering; Harris, TrevorWith this Thesis I aspire to take part in the debate concerning the urban design principles of the central Pasila region in Helsinki, the area around the second-most important Railway Station in Finland's capital. This debate has been more or less continuous since the 1960s. Currently in May 2010 Central Pasila is once again topical. A plot assignment and an architectural competition are being organized for the area's future urban centre adjacent to the current Pasila railway station. The results of this competition will have very wide-ranging effects, not only on the urban fabric of the City of Helsinki, but also on Finland's nation-wide infrastructure and beyond. This thesis consists of an alternative vision for the urban design principles in the Central Pasila region. Major challenges in the area include the lack of continuity in urban space, unusually large level differences and the traffic. Several other designs and drafts have already responded to these challenges and while I will do no less, my primary aim is to focus on some of the unseen opportunities instead. Perhaps the most important of these opportunities lies in a fixed rail 1mk to central Europe, to which the title of this Thesis also refers. The construction of a tunnel from Helsinki to Tallinn is fairly optimistic a scenario, although it is ever increasingly important to look for alternatives for air traffic. The main reason why I am bringing the topic up regarding urban planning of Central Pasila, however, is simply because nobody else has done it yet. The effects the tunnel would have in Helsinki appear first and foremost in Pasila. This should be considered a great opportunity. My second point is that when it comes to urban design, the greater Pasila area should more often be treated as a single entity. This also includes the so called Northern Pasila area north of the Hakamäentie Street. On a larger scale one can better address the biggest current problems in Pasila, which include fragmentation and lack of regional connections. I would also point out that, while treating and designing the area as a whole, its parts should be able to be carried out in stages and / or as independent projects. Several alternative scenarios for the Central Pasila area have relied heavily on the construction of decks. This should be avoided. Also in the north of the area all buildings should be built on terra firma while causing as little interference for the functioning rail yards as possible. I have studied the area of greater Pasila in wider perspective, and have in more detail focused on the region's urban centre point, the area of the coming plot assignment competition and also the main traffic hub. Here I have aimed in the creation of a new heart for the whole region. While doing that I will also try to have my say on how the future development in the area should or could be carried out, and what opportunities lie therein.