ATELJE PRELOVSEK

Project description: This project considers the question of how to enter the city center of Turku. The review concentrates on urban space which is rather characterized as a passage of transition than as a traditional urban meeting place. However, attention is paid to the nature of the prevailing forms of transportation and their impact on the whole city –not only transitional spaces but also traditional urban facilities and their vitality. Planning area is focused on the existing bus station environment, where the new travel center for trains and buses is planned to take place. However, the project also includes a proposal for the urban renewal of the broader district.

Location: Turku city center, Finland
Size of project area: 127.710 sqm (brown fields around the railway)
Size of gross building surface: 250.000 sqm
Project phase: preliminary study
Year of the project: 2009-10
State of the project: on hold
Authors: Aarne Niemelä, Eva Prelovšek Niemelä

By connecting some separated and fragmented parts of the neighborhood closer to each other and to the city center more diverse forms of movement and flow will be encouraged. The aim is to reduce the need to use private cars in the city center as well as in the whole region, which also contributes to a better and more sustainable urban environment both ecologically, aesthetically and financially. Also the identity of Turku as a livable city is to be refreshed in a subtly but also courageous and determined way.

The grid plan by C.L. Engel has to be re-established in the essential street corners but, on the other hand, some openings for new pathways from surrounding districts can offer exciting views into the old urban fabric. Some new potential landmarks are placed in the way not to interrupt important view axes or the silhouette of the historical centre.