Heterotopia: public garden in Helsinki [project]

2020

Helsinki, Finland

PROJECT'S AIMS AND GOALS 

The purpose of the project is the revitalization of a narrow site between the railroad and a residential area. Now it’s abandoned. To make it attractive, it’s important to define its essential values and the meaningful core of the project. 

FLORA 

One of the main advantages of the site is the rich variety of trees and shrubs. We wanted to preserve them and increase biodiversity by a selection of herbs and wild flowers. The new plants were chosen due to the time of blooming. Therefore, a garden looks different depending on the time of year. 

WATER AS THE MAIN THEME 

Water is the new uniting element of the project. The area is crossed by a stream in a circulating loop. It flows through U-shaped channels into a small pond in the northern part of the site. Then the water is pumped to the main square with a tall vertical fountain.

ZONING

The main users of the public garden are the residents of the surrounding apartment buildings. Based on this, the project provides four main zones: a playground, a sport zone, a main square with cafes and an embankment. Along the waterfront there are various places for rest on lawns - benches, seats and deck chairs. Close to the water is an observation tower overlooking the railroad.

FENCING 

The space is divided from the railroad by fences made of metal rods. Climbing plants at the bottom of the barriers and the existing topography creates an additional barrier to dust and noise from passing trains. From Myyrmäentie Street, the site is isolated by a retaining wall up to the height of the existing site. There is a main staircase and two additional entrances along it. 

RESULT

While the project covers a limited area, the variety of zones and functions encourages long walks through it. The elements of nature provide additional comfort: the sound of water’s stream and leaves has a calming effect and reduces noise pollution. The evaporation of the water creates a pleasant microclimate in the warm season; in winter its concrete channel can be used as an ice slide.