Einladungswettbewerb | 02/2017
New Beacon of Helsinki | Hotel Hakaniemi Competition
©Snøhetta
Hilbert’s Hotel
Gewinner
Architektur
Beurteilung durch das Preisgericht
RELATION TO THE SITE
The relation of the building’s volume to the site is solved by folding the building into a Z-shape. The first floor arrangement and transparency through the site is inviting. The idea is simple: the basic lamellar hotel is folded according to the shape of the site. Thus, the building always looks different from different angles. The actual hotel entrance is further away from the Hakaniemenranta street. Using light façade materials makes the building stand out from its surroundings. The building is thus a contrasting element in the cityscape. The building is a landmark, even though it is not higher than the surrounding buildings.
ARCHITECTURE
Using the folded shape in planning the building is simple yet innovative. The materials and the modular nature of the façade strengthen the monument-like volume of the building. The building looks light from all angles and succeeds in avoiding a heavy look and feel. The unorthodox façade that changes according to the number of available rooms is an interesting idea. The building mass is sculptural. The curves are sophisticated and the look is variable and interesting. The material chosen for the façade is opal glass. The façade is a fragmented arrangement of glass elements which is reminiscent of broken ice. The analogy seems however a little far-fetched, and this idea alone does not wholly explain the unusual façade design. The arrangement blurs the boundaries of the floors. The relation of the represented plan to reality was discussed: it was noted that the planned building requires careful and possibly costly construction.
FUNCTIONALITY
The drop-off and pick-up traffic area is on the eastern side of the building: the form of the building creates room for a large square. The lobby is spacy and it extends through the first floor. As one arrives at the hotel, a view towards the pool beside the Hakaniemen tori square opens. The location for the restaurant and the bar is chosen with the square and the new promenade in mind. “Outdoor lounge”, which is an extension of the bar, could also function as an indoor space. Outdoor areas are divided in appropriately sized portions. Locating the service area in the north-east corner is clever. The waterfront is completely made of terraced steps, which might not work from the points of view of pedestrian walkways and waterbus traffic. The solution can however be developed further. The hotel room floors are rational, simple and effective – as is the concept. It is possible to get natural light in the corridors. The hotel has 289 rooms and 8 floors. The floor height is + 3,3. The eaves height is +33,0 which is similar to the eaves heights of the surrounding buildings. The floor plans are sim - ple and clear – without artificial complexity. However, the lack of meeting rooms on the first floor raised some questions. The roof terraces and the hotel room floors are justifiable and efficient. The gross floor area is 14,500 m 2 . The building has natural ventilation: the proposal does not thus include room for utility and engineering services.
The relation of the building’s volume to the site is solved by folding the building into a Z-shape. The first floor arrangement and transparency through the site is inviting. The idea is simple: the basic lamellar hotel is folded according to the shape of the site. Thus, the building always looks different from different angles. The actual hotel entrance is further away from the Hakaniemenranta street. Using light façade materials makes the building stand out from its surroundings. The building is thus a contrasting element in the cityscape. The building is a landmark, even though it is not higher than the surrounding buildings.
ARCHITECTURE
Using the folded shape in planning the building is simple yet innovative. The materials and the modular nature of the façade strengthen the monument-like volume of the building. The building looks light from all angles and succeeds in avoiding a heavy look and feel. The unorthodox façade that changes according to the number of available rooms is an interesting idea. The building mass is sculptural. The curves are sophisticated and the look is variable and interesting. The material chosen for the façade is opal glass. The façade is a fragmented arrangement of glass elements which is reminiscent of broken ice. The analogy seems however a little far-fetched, and this idea alone does not wholly explain the unusual façade design. The arrangement blurs the boundaries of the floors. The relation of the represented plan to reality was discussed: it was noted that the planned building requires careful and possibly costly construction.
FUNCTIONALITY
The drop-off and pick-up traffic area is on the eastern side of the building: the form of the building creates room for a large square. The lobby is spacy and it extends through the first floor. As one arrives at the hotel, a view towards the pool beside the Hakaniemen tori square opens. The location for the restaurant and the bar is chosen with the square and the new promenade in mind. “Outdoor lounge”, which is an extension of the bar, could also function as an indoor space. Outdoor areas are divided in appropriately sized portions. Locating the service area in the north-east corner is clever. The waterfront is completely made of terraced steps, which might not work from the points of view of pedestrian walkways and waterbus traffic. The solution can however be developed further. The hotel room floors are rational, simple and effective – as is the concept. It is possible to get natural light in the corridors. The hotel has 289 rooms and 8 floors. The floor height is + 3,3. The eaves height is +33,0 which is similar to the eaves heights of the surrounding buildings. The floor plans are sim - ple and clear – without artificial complexity. However, the lack of meeting rooms on the first floor raised some questions. The roof terraces and the hotel room floors are justifiable and efficient. The gross floor area is 14,500 m 2 . The building has natural ventilation: the proposal does not thus include room for utility and engineering services.
©Snøhetta
©Snøhetta