With the plan for the city center we wanted to achieve one essential objective: To attract people to the center so that they become an active part of the urban scene. Aside from the architectural features, this is what makes the urban space lively and welcoming. People in the space bring more people, which in turn generate social contacts, income for local firms and enforce the inner-city atmosphere. We approached this goal by offering something for everyone. The key is to provide people of all ages and of all interests a way to enjoy the assembled public space. In terms of visual appearance, we wanted to make the architectural form unified by using a continuous style in the shape and materials. As the area is very long and wide, we decided to divide the area with narrow shaped structures that hold within them a variety of functions and construction types. While the shape is abiding, the structure consists of buildings, canopies, sitting spaces and insets to the ground. As building materials we chose to use wood that fits the local style. Welcoming city space is naturally the kind that will be used. People also tend to use what they need. Therefore we brought elements that were missing and we believed would have demand and further maintain local way of life. One important factor in this equation is the public transportation. It is important that accessing the center is easily done from the surrounding areas. We suggest that the bus station is situated in a central location in immediate relation to the square. (4.) The station building on its own represents functional modern design. It is a bounding element to the long shaped space. The square is a logical spot for this junction to be positioned. We also wanted to make the pedestrian traffic well organized. We further cut-off car traffic where it is unnecessary to make room for pedestrian travel. We offer bike shelters next the office buildings and housing units. There is a heated bike shelter by the bus station to ensure that long distance travelers can leave their bike in a supervised location for the time of their travel. Underground parking for cars is located in the southern end of the square and entrances to the parking hall are situated in numbers around the square. For children we planned a playground close to the library, while teenagers and young people may use the youth center that provides a space that is free of cost and can be used through the year. It was important for us to bring Alta’s younger population to the center. When children begin using the center blocks at an early age, they are more likely to do so when they grow up. This is because they have become accustomed to making use of the environment and all that it offers. The aim is that in the overall plan is clear and the added structures and functions support and bring to what already exists. (5.) For example the market hall supports the purposes of the mall and the town square simultaneously. The rising, vegetated roofs of the shops on the northern end of the square are like front yards for the office buildings, while making the space in between more delimited. The children’s playground connects to the library with a continuous sightline from inside to outside and vice versa. Therefore the old buildings do not compete with the new structures, but rather form functioning pair with them.
5. The view of the square from the roof of the Cultural Centre.
Public activity
Pedestrian traffic
Business premises
Car traffic
Leisure Residential area
4. "The Runnign man" travel centre.
Plan for the Center of Alta Eevamaria Juuti
Iida Räsänen
Lille Alta
9.9.2011 Anu Säilynoja
4.
Section A-A 1:750
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+2,0
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Section B-B 1:750
On the slope in the southern side of the center we placed more conventional residential area. The idea is that the volumes of housing are broken down from dense capacities close to the center to a more broken down components further away. It is as if the masses slowly disappear to the sloping scenery. We would maximize the views to the mountains and use the topography to our advantage. In the northern end of the square, offices, shops and firms can set up their businesses in the business premises. (5.) Centralized situating of daily activities and chores is amiable because it forces people to use the town square area. The cultural center on the top of the stairs is a monumental way to end the square. A designated place for cultural activity is also what Alta is yet missing. This is a place for theatre, dance, band lessons, exhibitions and conferences. It can also be utilized during local events and festival due to its unconventional way of connecting to the city space. The first floor is opened and raised from the ground, making it a continuum of the square. The center is the scene for local festivals. Therefore many of the structures can be opened and closed according to the season and the event.
Business premises Cultural acticity Public activity
Section C-C 1:750
5. The center viewed from the entrance of the Cultural Center. The fire in the lanterns creates warm atmosphere in the winter months.
Plan for the Center of Alta Eevamaria Juuti
Iida R채s채nen
Lille Alta
9.9.2011 Anu S채ilynoja
5.