Micro City : Reshaping the relation between industry and the inner city in Helsinki

Abstract: The project aims to reshape the relation between industry and living in the obsolete harbour area in Suvilahti, Helsinki by creating a complex community that combines the residential area and public activities with industry and production. In this way, the whole community will be able to act like a micro city with all kinds of functions and be self-sufficient in a way.Helsinki has a long coastline and many good harbours on which the industrial development of the last century was largely dependent. However, since the industrial restructuring of inner Helsinki, the factories are no longer housed in these harbour industrial areas and replaced to suburb of Helsinki County. Located in the eastern Helsinki, Suvilahti used to power the city with the early power plant and the first-built gas plant. Later in 1970s, Hanassari power plant, the biggest one in Helsinki, was built. It was once the main energy production area in Helsinki, but now the factories have closed and are looking for new uses. The logistic area is left with large empty space and large industrial constructions need to be reproposed. In my proposal, I see the challenges in four aspects. Firstly, I propose a more liable community with more infrastructure and get the new residents involved. Secondly, the landscape will be reconnected and the polluted environment restored. Thirdly, cultural activities will be maintained and more facilities will be built. Lastly, in order to revitalize industry, certain types of industriy will be reintroduced into the buildings and experienced workers will be rehired.