Punah’Ii’lkka – New Town Plan for Municipal Center of Ii
The proposal, Punah’Ii’lkka developed by OOPEAA is awarded second prize in the town planning ideas competition for the municipal center of Ii. The proposal brings together the values of maritime Ii and the nationally valuable built cultural environment formed during the 650 year long history of the region.
Together the rich layers of history and the beautiful nature by the river create a vibrant and inviting environment for the contemporary growth of the municipal center of Ii. Complementing the existing structure of the area, the proposed plan creates a new Ii. It forms a continuum with Ii’s long tradition as an important nodal point on the shore of Bothnian Bay and Iijoki estuary. The plan also carefully takes into account the nationally valuable built cultural environment of the old harbor area of the Wanha Hamina.
A series of green fingers connects the forest and the riverbank, making them accessible from all parts of the area. As many of the older trees as possible will be preserved and they will form a significant part of the green areas in the municipal center. The church and the new public quarters will be integrally connected with the river.
Bringing Together Tradition and New Architecture in the Municipal Center of Ii
The varying rhythm of the gabled roofs gives a recognizable identity for the area, where tradition and new architecture meet. The red color of the wooden buildings connects them to the historical continuum. The carefully considered scale of the blocks and the diverse typology of the buildings enable a rich variety of living arrangements. The blocks also offer ample common spaces as well as active courtyards with internal alleys.
The views that open through the blocks connect the beach and the water making them an active part of life in the area. In the functionally rich new area, connection to nature and the river landscape play a significant role in the everyday. Art is strongly present in the public spaces in Ii on the river bank beaches, and on the squares and parks, further strengthening Ii’s position as a significant center for public art.
Life on the River Bank
The new blocks are discreetly placed in the riverside area, generously leaving open space around them. The views from and to the river have been carefully considered in the design of the buildings. The new Haminanpuisto located on the shore leaves a free axis of view from the river to the church, making it part of the waterfront landscape. The built environment and green areas are carefully woven together to form a balanced whole. The design also supports the organization of events in the outdoor spaces. It creates places for people to meet socially, enlivening the entire area.
The new public buildings located around Ranta-aukio square distinctly take their place in the landscape of the beach. Spaces for public services are grouped around the square by the river, close to other services. Together the public and private services form a versatile ensemble of activities by the river. In the other direction, the block with public services forms an end point to Kirkkokatu, gradually opening up the view as you approach the beach and the Wanha Hamina area.
The library and culture center bordering Puistotie defines the street. In addition to the municipal hall and the library, the block has spaces for culture such as an art school and a gallery. It also offers space for various events that can spread out onto the square and in the direction of the park. The restaurant, located at the end of the municipal hall on the beach side, opens onto the river. Sheltered by the buildings, the outdoor spaces are inviting and enjoyable regardless of the season and weather conditions.
Blocks of Wooden Buildings with Views to the River
The varying height of the residential buildings makes it possible to open views from the apartments to the river. Correspondingly, when viewed from the river, the waterfront silhouette is uniform and harmonious. The residential blocks form a favorable microclimate. Tt the same time, they also create natural opportunities for social encounters for the residents.
The typology of buildings presented in the proposal enables wooden construction. Thanks to its lightness, wood works well even in challenging foundation conditions. The blocks are designed in such a way that a pleasant microclimate is formed inside and around them. Together with the use of wood, passive sun protection and solar collectors create an ecological solution. The dense block structure, in turn, supports community.
In addition to the municipal hall and Nättepori, the plan proposes to demolish only a few individual buildings: a small house on the beach, a single patio roof, and a one-story commercial building in block 5. The demolition will allow a compact block structure that is well connected to the street space. At the same time, it also enables views to and from the river.
Activating the River Bank
The beach area by the river is activated with routes and various activities for year-round use, recreation and outdoor activities. Creating a series of green paths, the area’s main outdoor route connects different parts of the city center together. It runs from Jokisuuntie through forest areas to be preserved and replanted to the shore. Along the shore it continues all the way to the new Ranta-aukio, square. There the path connects through the new park area to the existing cultural landscape route that starts from Wanha Hamina leading to Ruustinna.
The equipment rental operating in connection with Haminanpuisto brings numerous opportunities for hobbies within everyone’s reach. It helps to activate the beach area in many ways. It also increases the nature tourism potential of the area, as well as the services related to the marina. Along Kirkkotie the new buildings demarcate the street. Together with the Gasthaus, they form their own little square. There the street-level business premises can naturally spread out and thus enliven the area with their activities.
In the summer, people enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking or sup-boarding in the river scenery. In the winter they ice skate, go ice-skating and snowmobile, or take a dip in the open water. The Haminanpuisto playground, picnic, exercise and event area activate the river bank in the northern part of the area.
The Marina as the Heart of the Municipal Center of Ii
The marina serves both local and visiting boaters. The new water bus stop enables tourism both in the river estuary area and also further out on the Krunn islands. In connection with the town hall, there is a restaurant located on the beach side. It opens onto the best river views with its outdoor spaces. There is also a public sauna on the coastal path. Further south, Kokkisaari is connected to the mainland by a footbridge, which leads to a viewing platform on the island.
The beach area park will be green and natural. There favorable conditions for pollinators will also be taken into account. A blooming meadow, wetland plants and trees make the place sheltered and pleasant to use in all seasons. Dense surface layers are not preferred in the area. Surface water is collected in storm water tanks and directed to the sea after being purified.
Sustainable, Safe and Functional
Special attention has been paid to sustainable and safe movement in the area by investing in a high-quality, comfortable and green environment for light traffic. Clearly marked main street crossings leading to both Hamina school units and Valtari school along Jokisuuntie make school trips safe. In all blocks, parking is centralized in moderately sized units at ground level and demarcated either by roofs or vegetation. Public transport along Kirkkotie and Jokisuuntie makes the new area easily accessible.
Different age groups have been taken into account in the plan from the point of view of accessibility of both buildings and routes. The varying building typology of the blocks enables consideration of the various needs of the residents in the implementation. It is also possible to make the Nature Trails on the beach accessible.
The presented scope of the new construction is respectful of the existing context, although the solution is also flexible and allows for different densities. The new development can be built in stages one block at a time as needed. It is also possible to build the blocks as smaller sub-units.