Nichtoffener Wettbewerb | 02/2023
The Train Factory in Helsinki (FI)
©Tommila Architects / Kaleidoscope Nordic / Nomaji Landscape Architects / AINS Group
Finalist / 2. Phase
Architektur
Architektur
Nomaji Landscape Architects Ltd.
Landschaftsarchitektur
Tragwerksplanung
Beurteilung durch das Preisgericht
The proposal has developed into a slightly lower but distinctly heavier scheme with substantial change in the hotel massing. The tower has been reduced in height. The elegance of the original proposal has been compromised. The project retains a clear architectural idea with the tower well positioned. The narrow opening between the two main volumes has been retained despite the concerns of the Jury. Connection to the ‘Cathedral’ has improved.
Delivery has been changed to ground level. Hotel lobby remains is a little congested, but workable. Although the distribution of program is clear the hotel floor plans are problematic in terms of the staggered building form. Technical spaces are not adequate. Concerns remain regarding the depths of the floor plates for the office building.
The Jury welcomed the sketches describing how their comments to the original proposal have been addressed, without losing the original architectural idea and concept. This dialogue is highly constructive. Ground floor has been developed and the spaces have been enlivened of the proposals, The manner in which the proposal addresses the street has improved. The ground floor facades are a playful and convincing response to the urban context.
From a commercial point of view the stepped form of the tower is next to impossible to develop as a hotel. In general, all the floor plates appear to compromise the use; office plates are either too small or too deep, hotel floor plans are currently impossible to build in a pragmatic manner.
The tower slender appearance of tower has been lost; the wider form now has a far more overpowering presence in terms of the public courtyard.
The scale model is nice, probably best suiting to the area.
©Tommila Architects / Kaleidoscope Nordic / Nomaji Landscape Architects / AINS Group
©Tommila Architects / Kaleidoscope Nordic / Nomaji Landscape Architects / AINS Group
©Tommila Architects / Kaleidoscope Nordic / Nomaji Landscape Architects / AINS Group
©Tommila Architects / Kaleidoscope Nordic / Nomaji Landscape Architects / AINS Group