Bridging lives: A multifunctional building design on the Hernesaari-Jätkäsaari bridge

Abstract

This master’s thesis explores a multifunctional building design situated on the bridge connecting Hernesaari and Jätkäsaari in Helsinki. It intertwines transportation with housing, health care, nursing, harbour bath, community center, and pocket garden, creating a dynamic and integrated living space. Embedded within the design is a narrative exploration into the daily lives of diverse inhabitants, unraveling interactions and experiences that contribute to their Well-Being.

The way to approach this design is through a narrative storytelling of three characters that living, working and passing through the building respectively on a daily schedule. Through their daily life, the appearance of the building is gradually revealed. The start point of this method inspired by Heidegger’s thoughs of how people Being in the world. So, from theirs daily story, we can have a glimpse of how people build part of their lives in this place.