(The winning ‘Saaret’ design proposal by Konsortium Gran team (Niam, K2S Architects, White Arkitekter, Ramboll Finland, Rakennuttajatoimisto HTJ Oy, JLL). Image courtesy of the City of Helsinki)
by Ron Bernthal
In November 2022, the Finnish capital announced the five architect teams that will be designing Helsinki’s Makasiiniranta waterfront area redevelopment project. After much deliberation, the jury awarded the Konsortium Gran design team the first prize and an award of USD$104,000. The team consisted of designers from Niam, K2S Ardhitects, White Arkitekter, Ramboll Finland and Rakennuttajatoimisto HTJ Oy.
Their project, named Saaret (‘The Islands’), promises “an interconnection of flexible built spaces, dynamic public gathering points, and urban nature, with views across to the city, the Uspenski Cathedral, and waterfront.”
(Image courtesy White Arkitekter, K2S Architects)
The warehouse beach area in the Southern Harbor of Helsinki is planned to become part of a larger promenade and beach along the shores of Helsinki, and the location of the new architecture and design museum. In May 2021, the City of Helsinki announced the quality and concept competition to find a partner for the development and implementation of Magasinstranden, now it is clear that Saaret by Konsortium Gran has won the assignment.
“We are incredibly happy to win this prestigious assignment together with Konsortium Gran,” said Fredrik Källström, architect with White Arkitekter. “It is with great humility that we take on one of Helsinki’s premier plots.”
(The winning ‘Saaret’ design proposal by Konsortium Gran team (Niam, K2S Architects, White Arkitekter, Ramboll Finland, Rakennuttajatoimisto HTJ Oy, JLL). Image courtesy of the City of Helsinki)
The winning proposal presents a concept for what Magasinstranden’s future will look like. The former terminal area is proposed to be transformed into a lively public space along the waterfront, while the new landscape architecture creates a natural connection to Helsinki’s marine landscape. In the area, new buildings with low carbon dioxide emissions and recycling will jointly form a new landmark for the city. In the proposal, the new architecture and design museum, which is proposed to be characterized by sustainability and resilience, may play an important role in the development of the site.
(The winning ‘Saaret’ design proposal by Konsortium Gran team (Niam, K2S Architects, White Arkitekter, Ramboll Finland, Rakennuttajatoimisto HTJ Oy, JLL). Image courtesy of the City of Helsinki)
“Helsinki’s goal is to become climate neutral, and the task was therefore to base the plan on climate-smart and sustainable building methods,” said Källström. “This with other aspects such as for example integrating new buildings into the cultural-historical context but also coming up with proposals for what the future of protected buildings looks like have been important and exciting parts to work with.
(The winning ‘Saaret’ design proposal by Konsortium Gran team (Niam, K2S Architects, White Arkitekter, Ramboll Finland, Rakennuttajatoimisto HTJ Oy, JLL). Image courtesy of the City of Helsinki)
The promenade along the water will connect Salutorget in the north and Brunnsparken in the south with several squares and parks. To the north stretches the Observatory Mountain, while smaller green strips stretch towards the water. At both ends there are several nodes. The street level of the new buildings will contain cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops. At the same time that both workplaces and hotels will be in the new area.
(Image courtesy White Arkitekter, K2S Architects)
In the competition, the residents of Helsinki also had the opportunity to give their opinion, and approximately 2,000 opinions on the project have been collected. The project, which is set to break ground in 2025, will open up access to Helsinki’s swimmable harbor, allowing more locals to take a dip near the city center. It’s a positive move that will make the most of areas previously closed to the public
