Repurposing cultural heritage: Design proposal for the Olympic Rowing stadium in Helsinki

Abstract: A network of functionalist buildings and stadiums was originally designed for the 1940 Olympic games in Helsinki. Among these structures was the Rowing Stadium, which hosted the kayaking competition in 1952 after the games were postponed due to World War II. (Malmberg et al., 2017) Today, this once-vibrant building stands empty and has been prohibited to use since the end of 2021 due to significant structural issues. (Cremin, 2022a) Furthermore, both rowing and kayaking events are held only irregularly in Helsinki, making the stadium inactive in its original intended use. This structural decay and lack of activity present an opportunity and a necessity for redevelopment. By diving into the history and current condition of the building and its physical surroundings, and by utilizing B. Feilden’s theoretical model to assess its value, this study aims to establish principles for potential redevelopment. The goal of this thesis is to explore the potential for extending the lifespan of a modern heritage building that has outlived its initial purpose and transforming it into a culturally relevant space. Redevelopment could not only benefit the historical building, but also positively impact its surrounding environment and people. The design proposal seeks a balance between preserving historical worth while accommodating present-day necessities in the adaptive reuse of the Olympic Rowing Stadium in Helsinki.