Länsisatamanpuisto Park

Länsisatamanpuisto ´Park-Jewel´Although Länsisatamanpuisto ´Park-Jewel´ offers extraordinary spaces, a great variety of atmospheres and multifunctional areas, and although it offers wonderful views and perspectives, and, at last but not least the experience of a unifi ed entity in the form of a work of art, it is also in line with the Finnish stance:Simplicity and modesty of means.

Extending from music through to literature, from art to design, there is that unbelievable balance between the nature that already exists and the artistic result, achieved using simple means.Our approach to the distinctive nature of Länsisatamanpuisto ´Park-Jewel´ combines the stately images of Finnish nature (and also the Finnish spirit) with the gems of daily life. These associations are based on beauty and the peculiar nature of the structures used, rather than on extravagance.

The folded and waving cloth of lawn undulates without interruption between the harbour/the beach to Selkämerenpuisto-Park.The rhythm of the waves creates a variety of spaces, from small charming ones to wide-open areas.

In the southern part of the park the pattern of cut green shrubs refers to the artistic shapes present in the Finnish natural landscape. An area beneath some big old trees provides places to relax, to read and to play. This pattern is a sculpture of light and shade; a white sculpture in winter, following the form of the waved cloth, and a fragrant area that beguiles the senses in spring and summer.The pattern on the lawn may be simply created by mowing the lawn to different heights and this can be simplifi ed using guiding lines.

In the north west of the site, the magnifi cent stone sculptures shaped like crystals provide exciting spaces, both between the facades and facing out towards the park. A fi lm of water will cause them to glitter and refl ect the sky, and visitors to the park will be surprised by spherical sounds from time to time.

An important goal is to create tension between the framing buildings and the park. The pathway leads along the façade, then cuts across the park, and back again along the buildings, and in this way makes the city part of the park. The path widens out further down to form a series of squares. Despite its high green quality Länsisatamanpuisto ´Park-Jewel´ will be a park with an urban fl air.

The park will be able to create an absolutely outstanding identity for the inhabitants of Helsinki. Town planning concerns are consequently taken into consideration and integrated into the concept. The northern square ´overlapping´ Välimerenkatu-street connects to Selkämerenpuisto-Park and offers an adequate entrance from the lively shopping street.

The resident’s parkinteracts between the strong rectangular Poseidonpuisto-Park and the fl owing artistic Länsisatamanpuisto ´Park-Jewel´. All the routes into the quarters are taken into account and connected to the park like a seam.

An inviting spacious square opens out onto the sea. This place will be simply transformed from the green lawn into large paving structures. Terraces will lead to the beach below. We recommend a big sculpture for this area, which could be used as a restaurant or for public services. On the ground fl oor of the buildings that frame the park we propose a series of restaurants, cafés, shops, etc.

All areas required for public and semi public institutions such as daycare facilities, service facilities for the aged etc. face directly onto the park. We could imagine some mixed utilisation of the facilities.

The waves of the cloth form hollows in which rainwater may collect, creating pools of water.

Materials can be kept very simple. Paths can be made of asphalt covered by coloured sand, like ribbons. Squares can be made of concrete surfaces, for example with stainless steel grooves.

The lighting will support the main structures of the new park, as can be seen on the lighting plan. It should be as reduced as possible, incorporating the facades of the buildings while still providing a suffi cient level of security in the park.

The new Länsisatamanpuisto ´Park-Jewel´ will be an aesthetic experience. It will allow for the space to be perceived in a new way and will create an exceptional atmosphere as a distinctive modern park – all this using reduced means and with respect to the Finnish culture and natural environment.