Soutustadion 2025 - Future strategy of reusing the olympic Rowing stadium in Helsinki

Abstract

The Rowing Stadium in Helsinki, designed by the architect Hilding Ekelund, was built in 1939 for the 1940 Olympic Games in Helsinki. After the cancellation of the Games it was used at the 1952 Olympic Games. Today the Rowing Stadium is in poor use.

This master‘s thesis is presenting a concept how the Olympic Rowing Stadium could be used in the future. The thesis consists of four parts.

The first part of the thesis is an overview of the Olympic sports buildings in Helsinki. They form the historical context of the Rowing Stadium and show examples how modern building heritage can be transformed, respecting the historical value. The chapter summarizes the history of the buildings and how they are used today.

The second part examines the history of the Rowing Stadium in more depth. Historical pictures and original drawings show the different stages in design, construction and use.

The third part analyzes the urban context and the site of the Rowing Stadium, by using site visits, maps and axonometric drawings. Photographs and architectural drawings illustrate the existing buildings.

The fourth part shows strategies how the Rowing Stadium could be used in the future. The design plans take as a principal that the Stadium is a public building, and therefore should be accessible by the public. One reuse concept out of three different theoretical options was chosen and is presented in more detail. The proposed natural spa transforms the Rowing Stadium into a vibrant cultural and recreational place, accessible to all Helsinki citizens and visitors.

The thesis is an example how wooden volumetric modules can act as temporary solutions to transform a historical valuable building.