LOCATION
Vaasa, Finland
DATE
2014-present
SIZE
17 ha
TYPE
Masterplan - Open Competition
STATUS
Open Competition 1st Prize - 2014
Plan Development Ongoing
CLIENT
Vaasa Municipality,
Finnish Association of Architects
PROJECT TEAM
Martin Arfalk, Patrick Verhoeven, Nicholas Bigelow, Andrei Deacu, Carlos Dias, Maria Gregorio, Monika Liočaitė, Chuhan Zhang
COLLABORATORS
Hosper Sweden
Vaasan Ravilaakso
A new approach to a historic grid
Grown out of an ambition to create a modern town, Carl Axel Setterberg’s 1860’s plan utilised a simple grid to achieve connectivity, hierarchy and diversity. Today, modern infrastructure and large complexes have cut off Vaasa’s city centre from its surrounding context.
Inside/Outside builds on the ambition of Carl Axel Setterberg by extending the historic grid into the site. The grid is broken down by twisting the neighbourhood’s main streets, pushing back the buildings and opening up the urban structure for urban plazas, squares and park spaces. The new neighbourhood seamlessly connects to the existing centre, while cultivating a novel and modern take on its historic structure.
The plan utilises a variety of plot sizes to stimulate architectural diversity and to encourage a range of actors to take part in the development process. The masterplan’s simple logic and structure allows for a flexible development approach and is designed to be extendable in the future.
Historic plan of Vaasa
Original grid
Expanding the grid
The site is woven into the local context
Diversity within the frame
A mix of plot sizes and architecture typologies lead to a heterogeneous identity
1. Site size
2. Maximum development potential of the site
3. The historic grid extends into the site
4. Historical grid cut to fit with the context
5. Alleys create access to blocks and plot size diversity
6. Pedestrian paths connect site to the context
7. Public spaces create sun exposure
8. The new development has urban character
9. The new combined with old
Ravilaakso main square
By extending the grid the new development receives an urban character
Active public spaces
Main square
Permeable block
Blue green spaces
Blue green alley
Open water landscape along the lively green alley
Green boulevard
Blue green alley
Building variety
An inner courtyard of a diverse block
Built environment
Parking house
Building variety
Vaasan Ravilaakso - Vasa Travdalen neighborhood
Living and recreation bay strategy
Recreational bike and pedestrian loop around the bay connects site and nature
