Urban Lab Portfolio

Urban laboratory:

Portfolio Javier Jair Montemayor Leos

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Aalto University Department of Architecture Urban Laboratory I Javier Jair Montemayor Leos 492278 Teachers Kimmo Lapintie Hossam Hewidy Helena Teräväinen Mina Di Marino Frances Hsu

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Introduction Urban Laboratory gives an introductory vision

to the world of urban research and planning. It deals with current issues from the 21 century and various locations around the world. Through several readings and essays, the topics began to become more familiar and relatable to one’s daily life. Having a very mixed group of teachers with different backgrounds, the class is rich and dialogue is encouraged. Important subjects are discussed and then can be turned into an essay. Even though the discussed topics concern a variety of locations, there’s a special emphasis in Helsinki which makes the class interesting. With this extra knowledge, it is possible to see the city from a different perspective and have a more integral view of it. Besides, it’s not only about the spaces themselves but the people who use them. That’s, I think, the most valuable teaching from the class: comprehending these new urban spaces and the way they are affecting us.

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INDEX Comments...............4 Essays................14 gvSIG.................30 Fieldwork............34 Research proposal....58 Conclusion...........98

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CLASSES COMMENTS These are just general comments from the classes we had on the first period in the Urban Lab.

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First class: Introduction Contents Urban Theories of public and private space of the city Instructions on gvSIG How to write an essay How to search scientific sources Comments The first class consisted on the introduction of the course.

First we had a general overview of the topics we would see throughout the period. We would study some urban theories, the physical perception of public and private space, digital experiences, landownership and planning, among others. We would also learn how to research, emphasizing on the Helsinki area.

Following that, Mina talked about urban theories, which was the most interesting part of the class. We talked about Lefebvre’s production of space, Madanipour’s spheres, Carmona’s contemporary use of spaces, Gehl’s space between the buildings, Castel’s flow of space, and Auge’s non-places. It was exciting to analyze each one of these ideas, but the most thought-provoking I found was Gehl’s concern for the life between constructed spaces. That’s way I choose him. Besides I found his books very digestible. His works are full of content, but are also easy to read.

Later, Maria Söderholm gave a quick lecture about Chicago style citation. It was very useful because I’ve just used APA style for my own essays. So getting to know this new style was fruitful. She also mentioned some databases we could use in our future investigations. She mentioned Melissa (especially if the topic revolved around Finland) and Alli. Scopus would be the most valuable resource because of its very extensive offer of articles, according to her. Then, Helena gave an explanation about how to write a proper essay. She mentioned the various steps we had to follow and the different types of essays. She also gave useful advices like letting the essay to cool-down, avoiding plagiarism and colloquial writing.

Teachers

Mina Di Marino, Arch., PhD in Urban & Regional Planning, Post-Doc Researcher Helena Teräväinen, Arch, PhD in Urban & Regional Planning Maria Söderholm, Information specialist, Department of Real Estate, Planning and Geoinformatics

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Second class: Introduction to gvSIG Contents Practicing gvSig in the lab How to do field work Comments This class consisted on an introduction to gvSIG. First the origins of the program were shown, and then some of the advantages it offers. I realized how beneficial it can be when doing some analysis. It gives the user a lot of information with a just a few clicks. That explains why so many organizations and disciplines have been using such technology. Besides, it can work with a lot of data and never be overloaded. Later, the teacher showed some databases that used the GIS tech to provide information about Helsinki. The main configurations of the program were also exposed and we were able to give our first steps into the software.

At the end, Mina talked about the fieldwork and the things we were supposed to observe. For example, people’s connections, edges, paths, seating places, architectural features, and so many others. Having that as a guide, I found the work to be more organized and structured, which was very useful. She also gave quick instructions about the way the interviews could be conducted during the fieldwork. It was good to know they were going to be conducted in teams and in collaboration with the teachers because of people’s mistrust.

References Goodchild M., F., Anselin L., Appelbaum R., P, Harthorn B., H., 2000 Towards Spatially integrated social science, in International Regional Science review 23, 2: 139–159 Goodchild, M. and Janelle, D., 2006, Inferring the behavior of households from Remotely Sensed Changes in Land covers in Goodchild, M. and Janelle, D. (eds.), 2003 Spatially integrated social science, Oxford University Press National Academy Press, 2000, Learning to think spatially, Executive summary Bernhardsen, T. (2002) Geographic Information Systems: An Introduction, 3rd edn. New York: Wiley.

Demers, M. N. (2000) Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems, 2nd edn. New York: Wiley.

Heywood, I., Cornelius, S. and Carver, S. (1998) An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems. Harlow: Pearson.

Schuurman, N. (2004) GIS A Short Introduction. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Third class: Fieldwork

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Fourth class: Physical perception of public and private space Contents Physical perception of public and private space Practicing gvSig in the lab Comments In this class Frances Hsu spoke about the physical perception of the public and private spaces. She used examples from the past and present to make her point. Showing only images and no text, she emphasized on how the urban spaces have been changing and the way we see them. She spoke about the Zaha Hadid case, in which workers were affected by the construction. The polemic caused by that was very interesting to analyze which, at the same time, also related to Hannah Arendt´s “Human Condition” (she discusses the problems we face in the modern era). At the end she gave some examples regarding museums (taking the MOMA in New York as example and also Rem Koolhaas). Personally I liked this class because it was all based in study cases and not much theory was needed. Even though the examples given were not all current, they were relevant to the topic and illustrated the idea Frances wanted to give.

Later, another session of gvSIG was given. We learned about importing shape files, changing the labels (through the Excel file and so on), and changing the colors of he figures. I think I struggled at first to grasp the whole process of changing the names because of the different languages and interfaces used.

However, with the help of the teacher I was able to solve the issues I had. Anyway, this session was the most important, I think, because learning about the manipulation of the different “layers” gives you a lot of possibilities and ways of making an attractive map.

Teachers Mina Di Marino Frances Hsu

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Fifth class: Urban Theories and concepts on public and private space of the city Contents Urban Theories and concepts on public and private space of the city Practicing gvSig in the lab Comments In this class, Hossam exposed the overlapping spheres of public space. He first talked about the ground level of public space, in which there’s a necessity of having more accessibility.

There’s also a need of more definition of concepts like public sector and sphere. Next he talked about Hannah’s Arendt’s dimensions of public spheres: the common world and the space of appearance. Her theory, which for me was the most interesting of the class, divided the physical from the intangible.

Then comes the public opinion regarding such appearance, raising questions and curiosity. Taking as example the racial segregation occurring in America in 1940, he explained how the first manifestations of defiance were to shape the public spheres. He also exposed some material about biopolitiques, which means there’s an extension of state power over the physical and political bodies of a society. It has to do with biopower, mainly. At the end he talked about the mosques in Finland which are very rare. They are almost hidden, and there’s always some struggle between the voice Muslims want to have and their necessity of silence regarding spiritual needs.

Even though the lecture was a little bit complicated to follow, I really liked the variety of topics covered and mentioned the study cases. It was interesting to see the application of the theory he was talking about in a specific case. Besides, I found exciting to hear his version of events, him being part of a Muslim community.

And obviously, we had another session of gvSIG, but this time it was easier because we were already used to the interface and the way of working. Any problems we had were discussed with the teacher. So, at the end, everything was clear.

Teachers Hossam Hewidy

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Sixth class: Private and public spaces under change (e.g. due to Information Technology or new habits of users) Contents: Private and public spaces under change (e.g. due to Information Technology or new habits of users).

How to deal with GIS data –strengths and weaknesses Comments Mina showed the results of her research in this class. She said it was still not published, which made it more exciting.

She talked about the findings her team and she had made, concentrating in the Helsinki area. It was compelling to see how people are now using spaces according to the changes in media and technology. Now that new developments have been done, it seems that public life might disappear. However, people still use public space. Actually, technology is enhancing the way public spaces are experienced. So there’s a promising future awaiting to be discovered. In the meantime, both the physical and digital dimensions have to come together smoothly in order to have good quality spaces. The lecture was very good and the visual aids help a lot to have a more accurate idea of the results.

That class we also had the feedback from the gvSIG maps we did.

I think I learned a lot by seeing everybody’s work. And also by watching the best examples of the classmates. In my case, I was aware I had a lot to improve but I was happy I could notice that on time. I had to play more with the colors, the linetypes, and the general composition. Also, the label had to be changed because I didn’t know how to ungroup at the end the textbox. But, with the help of Mina I could figure out how that was done and the problem was solved.

Teachers Mina Di Marino

Seventh class: Second Fieldwork 12

Eight class: Digital experience of public and private space Contents: GIS map on private and public spaces Digital experience of public and private space Public Space in the Social-Mediatized City Comments This class was a continuation of the past session, so we continued to talk about the digital experience on public and private spaces. We saw various cases in which networks or Wi-Fi nodes can affect the way people perceive the spaces. It could be stated that such nodes may be not affect directly on the way people socialize: the two dimensions work on independent spaces. However, there’s no understanding about how the networks works. We also saw the main reasons people use Internet (among the first ones there’s localization and communication).

Another term seen was the augmented cities, which are digitally enhanced and people can relate easily and with no effort.

As example we saw the Turkish protests and how the social media was a determinant factor for communication. The video was very illustrative, showing the tweets people made to stay in touch with each other. The lecture was excellent because it dealt with a very current topic and has a wide relevance today.

It was interesting to see how scholars have been talking about digitalization since past years.

Later, Professor Frances gave a short lecture about social-mediatized public spaces. The bombing in Boston was broadly discussed, showing how different media was involved in the case.

There’s even a movie about the events. All of these explain how media is changing the way we become aware of things. With technology it’s faster and to keep up with the news. However, there are also risks that need to be considered (overexposure, for instance). At the end, we must learn how to reconcile physical space with the digital one.

References Batty, M. (1993). The geography of cyber space in Environment and Planning, vol. 20 (6): 615 127-130.

Castells, M. (2004). Space of Flows, Space of Places: Materials for a Theory of Urbanism in the Information Age. In S. Graham (Ed.), The Cybercities Reader (pp 82–93). London: Routledge.

Christensen, K. (ed) (2003), Introduction to Encyclopedia of Community, available at http://www.sagepub.com/upmdata /9677_035762Intro.pdf, (last access January 22nd 2013) Foth, M., & Sanders, P. (2008). Impacts of Social Computing on the Architecture of Urban Spaces Marcus”. In A. Aurigi & F De Cindio (Eds.), Augmented Urban Spaces (pp 73-92). Burlington USA: Ashgate Publishing Company Graham, Stephen and Simon Marvin. Telecommunications and the City: Electronic Spaces, Urban Places. da leggere, 2005 Herzog, L. A. (2006), Return to the Center: Culture, Public Space, and City Building in a Global Era, Austin, TX, USA: University of Texas Press.

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FIRST ESSAY Senate Square Success

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Senate Square Success “Life between Buildings. Using Public Space” by Jan Gehl “Experience and Conflict. The dialects of the production of public urban space in the light of new event venues in Helsinki 1993-2003” by Panu Lehtovuori

No matter how visually appealing and extravagant the buildings in a city are, they could never replace people.

Living cities, that is, cities where people can interact with one another are more rewarding and provide more richness in stimuli and inspiration. (Gehl, 1987, p.15) That’s why Gehl in his book “Life between buildings”, states that designing good public spaces is the most essential and relevant, even more than the buildings themselves. Having the dissertation “Experience and Conflict” of Doctor Panu Lehtovuori from Tampere University of Technology as a valuable resource, Senate Square in downtown Helsinki will be taken as a study case. In this paper the author will demonstrate how the current public spaces have reached the acceptance of society.

As we all know, there has been a change that put Helsinki under the spotlight, but this was not always the case. Helsinki between the 1970’s and 1980’s, as described by Cantell, was a mixture of East and West cities. It was safe and clean, but nothing exciting or inspiring was really happening. It was perceived as a cold city with solid administrative and cultural institutions, but it was somewhat mysterious still. (Cantell, 1999, p.88) Although Senate Square was full of memory and history, it was considered to be a dead space. Due to this emptiness and the external perception that there was something wrong in Helsinki, in the 1990’s a process of change took place. “New forms of public urban space were produced. The change concerned both 15

spatial practices, representations of space and spaces of representation, both perceived, conceived and lived... making way for changes and innovations not only in privately held perceptions but also in public ‘image’, rules, practices, programmes, rhythms of use, aesthetics and urban artefacts.” (Lehtovuori, 2005, p.176) With this, and some refinement of its own image, Helsinki began to mature and develop, especially considering the central public urban spaces.

In order to meet the vibrant image the city wanted to give to the world, there was a particular promotion on urban events, along with some street refurbishment, square renovation, and better infrastructure. Such changes have attracted the people to use the urban space. And like Gehl states “life between buildings is potentially a self-reinforcing process. When someone begins to do something, there is a clear tendency for others to join in, either to participate themselves or just to experience what the others are doing. In this manner individuals and events can influence and stimulate one another.”

(Gehl, 1987, p.75) This was actually the reason Senate Square became active: a single event. Because of its ambivalent, carnivalesque, and symbolic qualities, only one rock concert was needed to attract people and produce a major change. This event opened the square and revealed the true potential it had.

But, what made the Square so attractive to the public?

Mainly it was because of its event potential. It is open and inclusive, people can easily take possession of it…

“Configurationally, the square can be central but simultaneously it is characterized by a certain functional marginality, quietness and emptiness. This ambivalence or indefinite character seems important. Despite its symbolic

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richness, Senate Square is open to redefinitions.”

(Lehtovuori, 2005, p.186) This quality of appropriation and assembly is addressed by Gehl and reinforces the idea of a circular process that reiterates itself: “If activities and people are assembled, it is possible for individual events, as mentioned, to stimulate one another. Participants in a situation have the opportunity to experience and participate in other events. A selfreinforcing process can begin.” (Gehl, 1987, p.83) Besides, the square has a special edge quality, which means it has a special relationship with the landscape (from the base of the cathedral, the sea can be seen) even though it is closed as a composition.

In conclusion, the concerns Gehl presented in his book are still current. But the solutions he proposes have also been taken into consideration. That could be seen in the case of Senate Square. It has valuable historical content that transmits to people, a good space configuration that allows fluid activities, and especially event potential that gathers everyone around. And it is that simple fact, having circulation of people, which attracts more people and gives them the inspiration to make new things. It is therefore not a coincidence that such space has become the most popular in the city of Helsinki. Because it isn’t about the buildings, but the rich life that happens between the buildings.

References Gehl, Jan. Life between Buildings: Using Public Spaces. 1st ed.

Denmark: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1987.

Cantell, Timo. Helsinki and a Vision of Place. Helsinki: City of Helsinki Urban Facts, 1998.

Lehtovuori, Panu. Experience and Conflict: The dialects of the production of public urban space in the light of new event venues in Helsinki 1993-2003. (PhD diss., Helsinki University of Technology, 2005).

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SECOND ESSAY Physical Perception of Public and Private Spaces

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Physical Perception of Public and Private Spaces The world around us is not what it may seem because we only take what we can perceive through our senses and, obviously, only those things our minds accept according to the cultural context and past experiences. This is what Sergio Garcia states in his article “Social and Aesthetic Perception of Urban Public Space in Contemporary Society”, making emphasis on three different approaches: the conceptual, the social, and the esthetic. First the relevant context will be analyzed to continue with some perception issues and possible solutions. Actually some of the observations made by the author relate to the work of Jan Gehl in his book “Life between Buildings”. Therefore, such valuable source was also considered to complement the analysis.

In the last years of XX, the Modern Movement left two related practices: individualism and privacy. These were reflected on houses, which were inspired from the models brought from America, in which single housing was given preference. Therefore, public life declined, and the typical European models were mistakenly left behind. Gehl states that functionalists didn’t consider any social or psychological aspect of public spaces: “That building design could influence […] meeting possibilities was not considered […] streets and squares disappeared from the new building projects and the new cities.” (Gehl, 1987, p.47) The perfect example that derived from such crisis were the ‘public-private spaces’ or shopping centers. They exclude, not include; they are thought for the clients, not for the citizen; they are controlled, not free nor spontaneous; they are abstract, and don’t have a defined identity.

(García, 2013, p.304) Real interaction was lost and it wasn’t not only because of the problems mentioned, but also 19

due to the creation of highly-specialized spaces, which didn’t have any flexibility or capacity to adapt.

However, as a quick result, new movements emerged during 1950-1980’s, wanting to bring back history or at least take it into consideration during the design process. Contextualism, Townscape, Tendezza Italiana and Postmodernism all had similar goals: reject the inconsiderate Modern Style, having more approachable urban landscapes and buildings. Better and stronger efforts to achieve this relatable architecture have been made since then.

So now, regarding perception, it’s important to state that cultural context and past experiences result in very unique and different perceptions. For instance, the size of objects in urban spaces depends greatly on the physical correspondent space and the relationships it has with other elements. This explains why perception is individual and personal. However, the sociocultural aspect gives a different focus regarding collective space, that is, existential space. (García, 2013, p.309) What is important is the perception of human interactions, not so much the city itself. In his book, Gehl observes that even the most subtle contacts with other people are more stimulating and rewarding than any building (Gehl, 1987, p.47) One of the main qualities that can provoke a perceptive change in public space has to do with the social aspect or people. So, for a better perception of an urban space, the social aspect should be emphasized: human activities must occur. In empty spaces, the size and distance perception increase, while the full spaces seem to shrink and become smaller. This is also related to the sensory experience, specially hearing: hearing people and the activities they perform can increase the general perception of a crowded place.

As a good example, Gehl talks about the situation of Copenhagen: “For persons walking through Tivoli Gardens

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in Copenhagen or other sections of the Copenhagen pedestrian street network, it is comparable experiences, and especially the ability to hear music, songs, shouts, and speech, that contribute to making the walk interesting and enriching. Spontaneous street music in Copenhagen has had a remarkable revival…” (Gehl, 1987, p.169) To have a good quality ambiance, the perception of urban sounds must be considered; this only applies to the pleasant sounds, those ones involved in constructive social activities.

Now, there are some relevant aspects to produce the best possible perception. For example, instead of having empty squares with a monument in the center, it’s much better to have the edges of the squares full of activities, so they are more attractive and active, leaving empty the center. (García, 2013, p.311-312) There’s a specific case in Italy that exemplifies this perfectly: “According to a survey of the city square Asocli Piceno in Italy, standing people tend to congregate around the edges of the square. People can be found standing alongside facades, under porticoes… The obvious explanation for the popularity of edge zones is that placement at the edges of a space provides the best opportunity for surveying it.” (Gehl, 1987, p.150-152) So, naturally, human activities result because of the edges, growing from the perimeter towards the center, and the overall circulation becomes more fluid. This edges of course need to be soft, and providing enough detail for people to participate and get involved. (Gehl, 1987, p.132) Having a sense of place also contributes to have a recognizable urban space. It brings people together and they identify with such place.

The place stays with them; and when visiting the place, feeling the whole community at once is possible.

In conclusion, for there to be a good perception of spaces, it is important to have a right balance of social and esthetics. Public space cannot be interpreted

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esthetically if it hasn’t been socially because that’s actually its reason of being, and vice versa. A good urban planning, architecture and public space design are definitely required. And, obviously, considering the people and how they relate to spaces is the main concern for the urban planners. It has been proven, through history, that rejecting context and the human factor never bring a satisfactory result. So at the end, what the planners must strive for when designing is identifiability: create public spaces that have their own character and are accepted in the community.

References Gehl, Jan. Life between Buildings: Using Public Spaces. 1st ed.

Denmark: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1987.

Garcia, Sergio. “Social and Aesthetic Perception of Urban Public Space in Contemporary Society.” Arte, Individuo Y Sociedad 26, no. 2 (2013): 301-316. Accessed October 3, 2014.

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THIRD ESSAY Public spaces under change

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Public spaces under change Public spaces are one of the most important components in the city because residents meet there, creating ties and relationships. These spaces help to establish the identity of the city and contribute to the feeling of belonging. Nowadays, the recent development in media, communication technologies, and Internet is changing the ways people live and perceive such spaces. This has opened more possibilities to meet collectively in online public spaces, such as chat rooms, online games, instant messengers, and so on. However, not all reactions have been good: there have been some concerns about the possible disappearance of the traditional forms of civic interaction. In order to study the attitudes people have towards these new types of technologies, a research done by a group of engineers form the University of Oulu will be used as example. The main focus of the investigation was to present the expectations and fears people have towards the current development of technology. After defining the current context, the experiment and results will be discussed, concluding in some recommendations and possible outcomes that may occur.

First of all, it would be useful to understand how the current developments are affecting relationships in the city. In their book “Augmented Urban Spaces”, Aurigi and De Cindio discuss about new forms of relating to public spaces, and how the complex interactions in such spaces are transformed due to the less defined boundaries. Even though physical settings still influence actions, technologies are changing spatial concepts, accentuating the diversity of social connections. In fact, “the individual’s image of the city, which they use to navigate and orientate themselves within urban space, is no longer simply confined to physical elements

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and configurations.” (Aurigi and De Cindio, 2008, p. 14) Now, lifestyles are digitally-enhanced and are part of a single dimension. Multiple encounters can occur in one place, dominating the limits posed by physical environments. Citizenship and identity are now also affected by the augmented urban spaces.

There are two postures towards new technologies, the pessimistic and the optimistic. The first has to do with science fiction or “cyberpunk genre” in which future cities seem dangerous and controlled by large corporations; technology controls humans and physical space is no longer used. There is also tension between place and nonplace: “The tension could also suggest a “displacement” effect of digital technologies, taking their user `somewhere else´, which is indeed a non-place denying or competing with the actual physical place they are at” (Aurigi and De Cindio, 2008, p. 6). The second, on the other hand, is related to Mark Weiser’s `ubiquitous computing´, depicting technology as friendly and present only when needed. Computers are always there, but invisible and not-disturbing. (Kukka et al., 2013, p.30) In order to know which perception is more common among current society, three experiments were performed. Having shared technologies in urban spaces as main focus, such experiments had to do with visions and attitudes people have towards new urban technology.

The first was a storytelling competition to engage local community in the design of new technologies. Despite the small amount of entries, the stories provided ideas and ways to understand how citizens perceive technologically augmented cityscapes. The second one, a rapid ethnography, intended to have more depth and be more inclusive. It consisted of a prototype for interactive public displays used as a demonstration device, to get information about the content and services that could be useful through this kind of devices. The third study mainly consisted of diaries and semi-structured

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interviews from young adult citizens of Oulu, to uncover their everyday experiences and encounters with information technology. The results, discussed in the next paragraph, showed the different postures people have regarding this new digital implementations.

The first study resulted in a positive future vision of technology. It was there when needed, would not interrupt activities, and could provide all the correct answers. Besides, in all of the entries there were three recurring themes: spatialization (characters moving through unfamiliar places with the help of electronics), temporalization (characters needing to know information related to opening hours), and embodiment (characters interacted with environment through their bodies by manipulating digital interfaces). In the second study, having a whiteboard on a wheeled stand in various locations, there were also positive results. When asked about the content they desired, they mentioned noncommercial information that could benefit their daily life. In other words “people wanted services that work for them, are reliable, an easy to use.� (Kukka et al., 2013, p.37) The mock-up display attracted the attention of most people; however that depended majorly on the location. The interventions lasted much longer in the central plaza, and not so much in the crowded street intersections. In general, people felt that technology would contribute to everyday life, rather than complicate it. And the third study throw different results. In their diaries, one fourth of the participants expressed their anxiety towards technology and how it is time-consuming.

They wanted to decrease its role in the future, because they could not even follow the rapid development it involves. However, the rest of the participants agreed that technology is useful because of its efficiency.

Interestingly enough, they coincided with the vision of having invisible technology that merges with the city, and becomes apparent only when asked.

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Considering the given responses, for there to be any adoption of urban computing system, the three types of activities proposed by Gehl, which include the necessary, optional, and social activities (Gehl, 1987, p.21), have to be considered. Kukka et al. state in their article: “It is an already established everyday reality that many activities have been virtualized […] we can observe a decline in necessary activities. And the resultant social activities in the form of impromptu encounters are reduced due to virtualization of many necessary activities. This could lead to at least a partial abandonment of urban spaces, causing an impoverishment of urban life”. (Kukka et al., 2013, p.39) To prevent this decrease in necessary activities, which result in the reduction of social ones, it is mandatory to understand the needs and fears people have towards new technology because such tech is able to affect the everyday flow. It is necessary to include most of the people in these new forms of urban experiences through urban computing, which can be defined as the integration of computing and sensing technologies into everyday urban settings. Besides, the temporal framework, the changing of day and seasons, must also be taken into consideration to enhance the urban experience. (Kukka et al., 2013, p.31-33) It’s also important when designing to consider the disturbance of the new systems on everyday life, and how can they divide the people and demographics. So it’s vital to understand technology not just as a tool but rather as an integral part of everyday processes and activities.

The overall view generated by the study is that activities in public spaces are not necessarily reduced, but are more likely to take new form. Though there’s a possibility of having controlled technology by large corporations for commercial purposes to brainwash costumers, it seems technology offers more positive opportunities than negative. Sophistication in the use of public space may result for several new social uses,

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such as socializing, artistic purposes, and activism.

(Kukka et al., 2013, p.39) Technology could facilitate daily life and be in perfect equilibrium with society, according to people’s perceptions. For now, technology can be seen as an ingredient of some kind of urban adhesive that keeps people together and cannot be separated from space. It’s just matter of time to see if designers can unify the physical and virtual structures, so we can have fluid spaces that only enrich life.

References Aurigi, Alessandro, and De Cindio, Fiorella, eds. Augmented Urban Spaces. Abingdon, Oxon, GBR: Ashgate Publishing Ltd, 2008. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 25 October 2014.

Gehl, Jan. Life between Buildings: Using Public Spaces. 1st ed.

Denmark: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1987.

Ylipulli, Johanna, Tiina Suopajärvi, Timo Ojala, Vassilis Kostakos, Hannu Kukka, and Anna Luusua. “From Cyberpunk to Calm Urban Computing: Exploring the Role of Technology in the Future Cityscape.”

Technological Forecasting and Social Change 84 (2014): 29-42.

Accessed October 25, 2014.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/pii/S0040162513001674.

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SOFTWARE gvSIG

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overview

One important part of the course was the gvSig tutorials, in which we learned how to map in a very simple way. With data provided by the state, maps can be easily created and represented. Personally I found it very useful, especially because the plot analyzed is being used in different classes, other than the Urban Laboratory. In other words, such analysis had come in handy, being used for more than a single time.

Technically, there were some difficulties which involved the software itself and not so much our own capabilities to use it. The only thing I struggled with was the creation of Shape files, but with the help of the class everything could be solved. Anyway, it is a very friendly program that may help in any task related to site analysis.

With the GIS technology, it is relatively easy to get information from databases. In a single map can be a lot of relevant information; it is therefore necessary to know how to use the software or the different platforms that utilize it.

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Helsinki Land Use Map

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FIELDWORK Senate Square analysis

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Introduction

The field work was made in teams but in my case I didn’t had any partners. So I did my fieldwork by myself and because of that I could realize a lot of important things. All the findings were recorded on my notebook in forms of notes and sketches. Also, I took some photos showing the spaces and how people make the places their own. Without disrupting the life on the square, I tried to capture the greatest number of activities done by the users. It was curious to observe how many uses one single site can have. Besides, it was also interesting to see how weather conditions can affect the performance in the plaza. I was also able to compare the different atmospheres outside and inside. Inside the Cathedral there was a very welcoming ambiance and invited you to stay. In other words, I learned a lot and I obtained first-hand information that I could use to have an integral research.

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PATH FOLLOWED 1

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SPACES Senate Square has hard edges basically.

 There are a few restaurants and shops with softer transitions though

The square has no paths. It’s just a plaza were people can walk freely The main places for sitting are the stairs of the church and the benches on the central sculpture People stand on the center to take pictures, but they do not stop to talk They cross the whole plaza transversally

EDGES

Edges

SPACES Senate Square has hard edges basically.

 There are a few restaurants and shops with softer transitions though

The square has no paths. It’s just a plaza were people can walk freely The main places for sitting are the stairs of the church and the benches on the central sculpture People stand on the center to take pictures, but they do not stop to talk They cross the whole plaza transversally

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38

PLACES TO SIT

Places to sit

PATHS 39

NG

PEOPLE

Activities People are seated in the main stairs and benches of the sculpture circle There is no vegetation and no tables‌ Most people have their cameras (mostly tourists)

PEOPLE

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Some of them use their smartphones to take selfies

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The people that just cross the square might be talking in the phone or making a Skype call

CONNECTION Most of the people that stay on the square are physically connected  They come in groups of two or more people  This includes families, friends, and couples

The people that just cross the square might be talking in the phone or making a Skype call

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1

6 2

7

3 8

4 42

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

g

URBAN DESIGN

URBAN DESIGN Little streets

Square

Cathedral

Basically the whole plaza is public The interior of the cathedral is open to the public, but considering it to be private, the stairs serve as transition (and a lobby that prepares the visitors to get used to the atmosphere inside) Regarding the surrounding buildings, most of the buildings are governmental so their edges are very sharp/definite ď‚­ And even the shops, they only have small transitions from the street to the interior

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ACCESIBILITY FROM SURROUNDING NEIGHBOORHOODS 44

NEARBY FUNCTIONS

Nearby functions

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DE

Protection outside

PROTECTION OUTSIDE

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ELIGHT OUTSIDE Totally dependent on weather

Delight outside 47

48 Opportunities to enjoy climate and sensory experiences

COMFORT OUTSIDE 49

INDOOR PUBLIC: HELSINKI CATHEDRAL ACCESSIBILITY FROM SURROUNDINGS It can be reached mainly through the south and west The north is reserved for vehicles or trucks

The eastern part is blocked by buildings Stairs must be climbed to reached the interior No ramps whatsoever

Big proportions White and clear Peaceful and quite atmosphere

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Sober in its interior, ornamented in its exterior

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DELIGHT IN

• The cathedral has big as the classical churche

• It has a sober design a

• The interior is very cle • Few sculptures

• The piano is the most o

• Clear and light materi • Wooden furniture

• No immediate views to

• Natural lights flows ea

• Artificial lighting is bro chandeliers)

Nearby functions -One interesting point is the lack of gardens in the square -However, to the north of the church, there are some green spaces that can be used by the public

GARDENS 52

NSIDE

DELIGHT INSIDE

•The cathedral has big proportions but is not as excessive as the classical from as Western Europe proportions butchurches is not excessive es from •ItWestern Europe has a sober design and not so much ornaments •The interior is very clean and simple

and not•Few sosculptures much ornaments •The piano is the most ornamented object

ean and •Clear simple and light materials •Wooden furniture

•No immediate views to the outside

•Natural lights flows easily to the interior ornamented object

ials

•Artificial lighting is broadly used though (in the chandeliers)

o the outside

asily to the interior

oadly used though (in the

PROTECTION OUTSIDE Being a classical church, it has protection on the entrance  But such roof is too high to really bring any protection from the wind or rain

As for the other spaces in the square, there isn’t any type of protection  The fact of it being a closed square may help with the comfort

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COMFORT INSIDE It has an adequate temperature  Specially no wind or rain

The candles seem to help with the warm interior  Which is obviously not the case

Main furniture: wooden benches  Not so comfortable but typical of churches

No movable furniture Some tables with information papers No Wi-fi (but there is in the square)

PEOPLE

Just one person was using the cathedral properly  Praying

Other persons were taking pictures  And admiring the architecture inside

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PEOPLE’S OPINIONS

Ranked #13 of 148

Helsinki is a City that has the most outstanding architecture and here in the square is no different.

Very picturesque and quite overwhelming.

The reason to go to the Square is to see the Cathedral above. The Square itself isn't all that much.

There's a lovely happy atmosphere here, with singers & musicians etc

Perhaps the best thing about this square is the possibility to take very good pictures of the white Cathedral

Everything is perfect! Nice architecture, a lot of friendly people, not far from the Helsinki seaport

Senate Square is the one stunning, wide, beautiful but not bombastic at all!

clean ,the white church was very good for taking photos ,regret could not go on top as there was no lift available.

“nothing grand..”

Must see place when visiting Helsinki. The square is surrounded by some of the nicest & most important buildings in Helsinki.

It is a large square with a lot of tourists. The tourists buses are always parked there in the middle of the square which makes the photos a bit ugly.

PEOPLE’S OPINIONS

One of the places that you must put in the list to visit.

During our visit, there were like 100+ people doing a synchronised dance or such.

Every time I passed by the Senate Square, I noticed groups of young students making a statement http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189934-d245976-Reviews-Senate_Square_Senaatintori-Helsinki_Southern_Finland.html

• • • • • • • • • •

Female 45-54 years University diploma Finnish, English, ½ Swedish Homemaker About 1 hour in the square She has been before Because it is not that crowded The square and stairs, I love I use it mainly at afternoons

• • • • • • • • • •

Male 55-64 years University diploma Finnish, English Management I use it just to cross He has been before Because it is not a good connection The openness, I love I use it mainly after work

LINKS/PROGRAMS USED gvSig http://www.gvsig.com/

https://www.hsl.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/metro-and-tram-lines http://kartta.hel.fi/?setlanguage=en&e=25496825&n=6673044&r =3.99&w=***&l=opaskartta_helsinki_harmaa%2Csuunnitelmat_valm _asema%2Csuunnitelmat_valm_muu%2Csuunnitelmat_valm_osayleisk 56 aava&o=100%2C100%2C100%2C100#

Comments

Even though the fieldwork and the project in general had its setbacks, I really liked to analyse Senate Square. The fieldtrip there was very interesting to make as it was unusual to see so few people in the plaza. Normally, I’ve seen lots of tourists wandering around and taking pictures but in this case it was different. So it was exciting to analyse the square in such conditions (may be the weather conditions were not the best or that specific time of the day). Going around the actual site I could see a completely different world, a more quite one. To express this in my research I used a lot of pictures and maps that could illustrate my findings. I represented with different colors and shapes so it could be easy to understand. At the end, I also interviewed some people and it was nice to see their distinct perspectives on the same site. I could realize how perception of places varies from one person to the other. That human factor, that complexity of urban research, was the most compelling for me.

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Research proposal Going or staying?

Studying Narinkka Square In collaboration with ANA TORRES DAN PALARIE

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INDEX

• • • • •

Introduction History Objectives Research Methods Analysis

Flows Actors Moving Patterns Physical Perceptions State-of-the-Art Theory

• Proposal

Different Configurations

• Discussion • Conclusions • References

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Abstract Kamppi is a central and important area of Helsinki, Finland, which was designed over a decade ago to function around a commercial center. The building complex has multiple functions and works for its purpose, but the outside areas are clearly neglected and problematic. People use the main public open space, the Narinkka Square, just as a transition zone.

Observations, spatial analyses and studying reference literature were the methods used to understand the physical elements of the square and to find conceptual solutions for the problems identified. Our intention is to come up with physical intervention which would enable an organized mix of different functions: flows of people, events and human interaction.

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Introduction This project is an outcome of Aalto University’s Urban Laboratory I – 2014, which was focusing mainly on the spaces under change. The study area selected is located in central Helsinki, a district called Kamppi, and specifically the main public open space of the area, Narinkka Square. Kamppi district represents a key element of the Helsinki urban area. Kamppi Center became one of the most important spots not just in Helsinki but in entire Finland by succeeding to incorporate three main functions of today’s society: transportation node, commercial area and business center. In this paper we introduce the Kamppi area and its surroundings through some literature, site analyzes, and based on these conduct a proposal for future improvement.

It is clear that the success Kamppi area is having is based on the mix of services and functions located inside the Kamppi Center. A decade after its construction, the building still has most of the necessary functions which the city of Helsinki needs: a metro line that is connecting the entire city, bus station which has short local routes and also national ones, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, offices, meeting and event places.

All this congestion of functions brings in the Kamppi area different typologies of people from consumers to businessmen and tourists to commuters. This is literally, how the architect Juhani Pallasmaa designed it, a huge functionalist machine.

This research was inspired by findings on the field. Even though the building itself has managed to retain the same quality of services and spaces, the outside open area in front of the center is suffering. The mixture of functions and people with different interests create easily a mess without any division or control. The square

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itself has been designed with high quality materials and as a platform for events, but the flows and behavior of people bring great challenges into creating an organized and well-thought-of square. By observing the moving patterns of people, Narinkka Square could be called a transition zone. People crossing the square have the aim to arrive to their desired destination as fast as possible. However, they are often disturbed by events organized on the square or street fundraisers. Moreover, wondering tourists and people going on another direction might create a disturbance when even a slight slowdown is unwanted. All this intersecting of different typologies of actors and functions is affecting the ambient on the square and makes it uninviting for staying and using the space for interaction. These observations were confirmed in interviews conducted in the area. The field work findings inspired us to do a research proposal reagrdin Kamppi area in order to try and find what concrete elements are problematic on the square and what could be improved to finally help the co-existence of different actors and conclude in a multi-functioning square.

History Before proceeding to analyze the current situation of the area, it is crucial to understand its historical meaning and how it received its important status in time.

The district received its name “Kamppi” in the time when Finland was part of Sweden. The word was a derivative from the Swedish word kamp, meaning ‘battle’. The area was selected for having a very strategic position for the displacement of the army and its ability to reach both the seashore and the Northern part of the city. Later, in the 19th century, when Finland was under the occupancy of the Russian Empire, the area again fulfilled both its original name and function. The district was mainly used for military settlements and for training Russian soldiers, however because of the tension period right

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right before the Second World War, the area became emptier and was in the end mainly used as a market place for Jewish merchants coming from Russia. The square was called “Narinkka”, which came from adapting the Russian phrase na rynke which means ‘to the market’.

With an evolving necessity for public transportation and the need to connect all the Finnish cities and villages, a new bus terminal was built in 1935 (Figure 1). Around the bus station construction happened constantly. New infrastructure was designed for the Olympic Games of 1952, Tennispalatsi and hotels were built, and in 1983 an underground metro line and station were built. However, the bus area stayed the same – as a huge field of asphalt.

Finally, at the end of the 20th century, with the cities’ growth and the need for densification, local authorities realized that the area designed for bus parking was too big, non-utilitarian and with poor design (Figure 2). It was time for change.

Figure 1. Old bus station.

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Figure 2. Bus station area.

In 1999, Helsinki municipality came with the intention to redesign the entire area in order to create a more pleasant and comfortable pedestrian area while retaining its original function of a transportation node. Finally, in 2002 an international competition was organized in order to redesign the entire area and to create a new type of square that would fulfil the contemporary needs.

The winning project was awarded to Juhani Pallasmaa who is an important Finnish architect. The outcome was very complex: the entire site was divided in public spaces while having in the middle a commercial center.

The center was built in two years and was opened to full extent in 2006. In between Kamppi Center and the old bus station building, a new main public space was designed. This area, called Narinkka Square by history, was designed for both leisure activities and events. The Kamppi Center building itself consists of 6 floors where the main commercial and restaurant areas are located, besides these two underground levels were built for transportation functions. The metro station got a new entrance inside the commercial center and all the bus functions were relocated on the ground and lower floors of the complex.

Kamppi area developed in several phases: from a strategic military point to a central market place and later to a public transportation node, that today is a multifunctional area. Basically, the design and function of today Kamppi area, represents an evolution of the previous historical functions, a respectful conversion of the previous bus station and market place into nowadays transportation and commercial spaces. Alongside the design, the area received some new functions too: consumer oriented activities like restaurants and event places, the business oriented functions like offices and meeting places, and apartments. All the enumerated functions provided the necessary primes for Kamppi area to become one of the most important spots in Finland.

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1932

1969 66

2001

2014 67

Objectives The square has many faults found by observing, that have inspired us to try and find a solution that could benefit all the actors. The objective of this paper is to come up with a solution that would create a multi-functioning square that would take into account the existing flows and different events, but also create an interest in the square, a reason for people to use the space as a part of their urban environment.

The first step to find these objectives is to research and analyse by different methods, what are the problematic elements that could be improved to achieve our goal of a well-functioning multi-use square.

Research Methods For gaining the objectives different research methods were used. The public’s opinions were identified through interviews and behavior in public space was observed.

Extended analyses were conducted through literature research and analyses on the square. The literature used included scientific articles, documents provided by the City of Helsinki, and books about the history and present of Kamppi. To come up with a solution for the found problems we researched some reference material about current square design.

The first methods regarding Kamppi were observations and interviews. These were conducted during a day of field work, where the research group dismounted in Kamppi to analyze the use of the space. After observing people in and around the Kamppi Center we received a comprehensive image of a populous transit zone. Clear moving patterns on the square were found which are organized in axes going from the main entrance of the shopping center to the sides of the square. This makes the square feel cold, unwelcoming, and impersonal, which came up in interviews 68

with citizens. The amount of interviews was too narrow to be used as a true reference point, but the opinions about the Narinkka Square were similar with each other, and the outcome resulted as an inspiration to go deeper into the case of Kamppi.

The square was designed alongside the whole Kamppi complex and its purpose is to be an event place. Studying the official documents from the City of Helsinki, the function of the square is clearly stated and changes are not planned. The square works well for events and as it is its main purpose the city officials do not see the square as needing improvement. For an actual person, a citizen, the Narinkka Square is not as successful.

Concentrating on one single function has its flaws: what about the time in between events? Events are held irregularly, once or twice a week, and are concentrated in summer time, at other times it is as empty as on our field day. The square can be described as active, but it is only because of the people crossing when going from point A to B. Staying on the square is very rare and visitors are mostly tourists. The problem of the square seems to be that it has no meaning for the people.

Attachment and people’s valuation is needed to create a space inviting to stay.

Literature reviews and spatial analyses were conducted to find out what is problematic with the space in terms of structure, architecture and space. The size of the square was perceived as an issue. The square is about eighty meters along the sides and is completely open – it is certainly not a human scale. The openness provides good possibilities for all kinds of events, but does not provide any interest, protection or place (nor reason) for staying. Other spatial problems found are for example the lack of seats, amount of green and different actors’ collision. The spatial elements are further explained in the next chapter which finally resulted in a conceptual proposal.

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Figure 3. Material used as researching the area. “Keskustan ja Kampin aluesuunnitelma 2012-2021” is a development plan for the city center and the district of Kamppi for the years 20122021. It was published by the City of Helsinki.

Analysis POPULAR DESTINATIONS

RAILWAYSTATION

SOKOS

NARINKKA SQUARE KAMPPI CENTER FORUM

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Researching different articles we developed a division of different factors of the square: flows, actors, moving patterns and physical perceptions. Each of these is explored with graphic maps or pictures and the meaning and background is further explained in text. Besides, a theory, “state-of-the-art pedestrian theory�, is introduced and together with the analyses is used as a base for the final proposal.

Throughout history Narinkka Square has remained to be one of the most intensely used squares, moreover after the appearance of the new building with all its diversity of functions it has changed completely and multiplied its activity levels. Based on our initial understanding and observations we could clearly observe the diversity of people, their movement direction and walking speed.

All these elements of flows are directly linked with the local transportation network, facilities and services.

By analyzing the flows of people in different times of day and purposes of usage, we could map and understand what areas of the Narinkka Square are most used, which stay empty, and how the perception of space is changing during the day. In addition, based on our observations, the two main walking flows which are towards the railway station and Kiasma Museum are the most used ones and are dividing the entire square in a V-shape pattern which is a challenging formation to control (Hoogendoorn, 2001).

This is one of the most important characteristics of the square which would influence our final proposal.

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THERMAL ANALYSIS

LASIPALATSI

OLD BUS STATION

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

Actors According to Jan Gehl another crucial element that influences and transforms the urban space are its actors.

Because of the Kamppi area’s diversity of services and functions a large selection of different actors is expected. Based on our observations we could group the majority of people passing Narinkka Square in three main groups. This selection was based on people’s different approach in using the square, speed of passing it and their desire to be isolated from each other, the need for own space.

The first and the most persistent group are the commuters and other users of the area’s public transportation.

This group is especially present during the morning and the afternoon – just before and after office hours.

This category has the most organized moving pattern on the square, and walk with fast speed for catching their metro, bus, train, or tram.

50 m

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The second category of actors is the visitors of Kamppi Center which are coming for entertainment purposes.

Usually they are crossing the square with a normal walking speed. They might be more interested in what activities are happening on the square, but their main purpose for the visit is to go shopping or to the movies for instance.

The last group of actors refers to people coming to the square for the square’s sake. The group consists of tourists and events visitors. They can be detected for their wondering slow pace. This category is the most linked to the usage of the square and the people of this group are the most interested in specific events or noncommercial places on the square.

An important factor in the square’s space perception is played by the mix of actors and their interest and speed of movement. Later, we will tackle this problem in our design proposal.

MORNING 07:00-09:00 COMMUTERS TOURISTS

OLD BUS STATION

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

N

N

50 m

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AFTERNOON 16:00-18:00 COMMUTERS ENTERTAINMENT USERS TOURISTS

OLD BUS STATION

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

N

N

50 m

Figures 5-7. Different actors during three different times of day.

In the morning the square is filled with commuters and other transport users (grey dots). In the afternoon commuters are again present, but people coming for entertainment purposes (red dots) have come along. In the evening and the weekends most people passing through the square are going to leisure activities. Tourists and actual square visitors wonder on the square regardless of time.

EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS ENTERTAINMENT USERS TOURISTS

OLD BUS STATION

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

N

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N 50 m

Moving Patterns Another important theory to be analyzed in the case of Narinkka Square is the “Collective Pattern of Motion” (Moussaïd, 2011). The flows on Narinkka Square are very clear and strong, so the basic moving pattern is easy to define (Figure 8). The challenging part is that the pattern is often broken through external factors.

Frequently, on Narinkka Square, the flow route is interrupted by an event, commercial installation, an eager street fundraiser, or other people. As mentioned before, studies by Moussaïd (2011) have proven that high density flows tend to become automatic, not just in the “lane formation phenomena” but also in people’s perception and habit to pass a specific area. Any unusual obstacle tends to destroy the traditional pattern and annoy a fast passer-by. This so called ‘disturbance’ is very hard to predict because besides the fact that those temporary installations are changing in size, function, and sound, they are also constantly changing their location inside the square. Hence the usual flows of people can’t be controlled anymore and from the user’s point-of-view the square becomes even less attractive.

The rate of random distribution of patterns and flows takes a chaotic signature. It is important to understand this phenomenon when trying to solve and increase the usage and functionality of the square.

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MOVING PATTERNS: NATURAL

LASIPALATSI

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

N 50 m

Figure 8. Natural moving patterns according to observations.

MOVING PATTERNS: EVENT

LASIPALATSI

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

N 50 m

Figure 9. Moving patterns changed by small disturbance such as street fundraisers and temporary installations.

MOVING PATTERNS: DISTURBANCE

LASIPALATSI

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

N 50 m

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Figure 10. Moving patterns changed by an event.

Physical Perception The majority of today’s urbanist researches and discussions are rotating around the quality of an urban space. The physical elements inside the square and their influence on the identity and the use of the space have great importance – hence it cannot be neglected in the case of Narinkka Square. We are not trying to study or understand how to increase the quality of the space based on measurements or statistics, but instead try to find specific visual characteristics of the space that are creating an identity. Physical characteristics were studied and presented in maps and images, and further on the findings are used in creating a proposal – either to emphasis them or to diminish their effect.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3296/3084293045_a0e4fbf3e7.jpg http://static.squarespace.com/static/52bdd7dfe4b02ffea75a35d6/t/53daf629e4b0467cf6b049 37/1406858807588/Kampin+Kappeli http://4.bp.blogspot.com/fWcuYk8j4QY/UF2ZXD_DyfI/AAAAAAAAKdo/PDmAbup5e2g/s640/hiljaisuudenkap3_260412.jp g https://s-media-cacheak0. pinimg.com/236x/47/91/3d/47913d66902c8eda61901372631b3bf2.jpg

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SHADOWS WARM COLD LASIPALATSI

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

N 50 m

Figure 11. Shadows of the tall buildings make the south corner of the square cold (blue circles). Because of the square’s large size (about 80 x 80 meters) most of the square has sunlight and warmth (red circles).

Figure 12. The square is well protected from wind and noise because it is situated slightly lower than the surrounding areas and is surrounded directly with buildings instead of roads or such.

PROTECTION

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The Narinkka Square is surrounded by versatile buildings – from the six storey commercial center to a low historical building. On one corner there is one of the main attractions of the square, a wooden church.

The scale of the buildings is variable, but not really perceived as a problem for that the ground floors are mostly used for services and commercial use and that way are considered human scale (Gehl, Lotte and Reigstad, 2006). The issue in scale is more likely to be perceived in the amount of openness. The square is about 80 x 80 meters and has very little bounding elements in the middle. There is one sculpture on the square (Figure 15) called “Leverty” by Eva Löfdahl, but the square’s size has created an issue there and the sculpt has been criticized to be too small for the space.

There are only a few benches in the square. The only permanent ones are in front of the old bus station (Figure 14) and they are usually always taken. One reason might be their sunny positioning (Figure 13), because in the contrary the movable ones that the church brings out in the summer are low utilized being always in the shade.

The amount of greenery on the square is very little.

There are few trees situated on the shady corner of the square, but they are not growing too well presumably because of too little space for roots and too little light. There is no guidance about how much greenery would qualify as “enough” but according to many studies plants and a resemblance of nature have a true effect on health and people’s mentality (Thompson, 2002). Undoubtedly the Narinkka Square could benefit from more green elements such us green walls, flower planting and even urban farming.

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State-of-the-Art Pedestrian Theory

The last part of our analysis is an interpretation and integration of the “State-of-the-Art Pedestrian Theory” to create final conclusion and a deeper understanding of the Narinkka Square. Because of the transportation node that is located inside Kamppi Center (metro, local buses, long distance buses) it is studied to have different treatment of time usage while waiting for your transport mode’s departure. Kamppi Center with all its entertainment and shopping services represents the perfect solution for time consuming, but based on observations and experiences we can clearly state that Narinkka Square is left behind in this process.

The theory and its explanation for pedestrian behavior is divided into three levels: a strategic level, a tactical level, and an operational level. At the strategic level, we as travelers each have our own preferences (e.g. gaming, electronics, jewelry, gambling, etc.).

We already know about the possibilities and services that for example Kamppi Center gives and we tend to have immediately a strategy in our heads about which services to visit in case we are having enough time. At the tactical level, the traveler is creating a ranking of the already decided interests that they are going to follow if having a specific amount of time. And the last level, which is the operational level, represents a spontaneous decision or reaction which could be totally in contradiction with the tactical level.

This understanding of time use is highly important for the Kamppi Center and integrating Narinkka Square in the users’ time consuming. In our further proposal we are interested not just to tackle the current situation of the square but also to integrate both the strategic and the tactical level of the Kamppi Center transport users.

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Proposal After analyzing the site, we began to think how to solve the found challenges. We think the people are not sure of the possibilities the square offers, leaving them unsure whether it is preferable to stay or not. By defining spaces and giving them different functions, they will be able to see more easily their options.

Firstly we came up with a circular shape that would help the square host more functions while maintaining the rational flows Narinkka Square needs. We chose circles because people flow naturally in organic patterns.

Besides, such shape is spatially very efficient due to the absence of useless corners, but also the most inviting for social interaction creating protection. On the overall layout the circular shape creates a good dynamism with the wooden church and a needed contrast to the stiff rectangle buildings.

After defining our main shape, we came up with three main concepts that would define the new organization: events, exhibitions, and human interaction. As already mentioned, Narinkka Square has originally been designed as a place for events; however, people who don’t want to get involved in them are disturbed by such happenings.

For this reason, we wanted to take into consideration the exiting flows by separating gently the events from the through-passers. Regarding exhibitions we proposed different zones that could be appropriated by the community so that they feel more attached. With this cultural interaction is thoughtfully promoted to allow the people to get involved with each other. We want to stress the human perspective because, as Gehl states, “nothing can replace people; people are the most interesting thing to see between buildings�.

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Regarding the placement of each of the established concepts, we began with positioning the event space in a central zone. Centrality might be first thought as disturbing for the passers-by as previously stated, but the concept intends to provide a passage through in case of no event and just a slight turn when closing the circle for an event. Events’ purpose is to attract people; closeness to flows is crucial, but a division is needed to avoid collision. The positioning allows participation easily still giving a quick route for passing through the square. The area will have the ability to adapt to different time periods, flows, and functions. The circular patterns will have the ability to easily transform the space depending on the actual needs, explained more later.

For the exhibition, we used the less disturbing place in the square, where there are less people at the moment and which has a close connection to the chapel in the southwestern part. For social interaction, we intend to encourage it throughout the whole project but especially proximate to the main flows. They won’t disturb the people, but they will be visually present in the form of smart screens and such. Also seating areas are situated inside some of the circles to create places for conversation and interacting.

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Kamppi Square is very well-known for its event potential.

E V 1 Bigger events that could be E extended and commercially focused. N T 2/3 Smaller events and workshops organized for social interaction

Temporary exhibitions will take place in the blue circles.

E X Circle 1: focused on professional H artists that want to showcase their art I Circle 2: destined B to the community.

-School´s works -Children’s artwork I will also be shown.

T That way the community will also have a voiceI O N

Circle 1 will host big events and be able to extend for massive happenings.

When not in use it will have a commercial focus for its proximity to flows.

Circle 2 represents workshops linked to the events in Circle 1, to promote social interaction. Finally circle 3 will take advantage of the existing infrastructure – mainly the stairs which at the moment are not greatly used – to create a stage for smaller happenings and shows.

Temporary exhibitions will take place in both circles. Circle 1 will be focused on professional artists that want to showcase their art for a short period of time. Meanwhile, circle 2 will be destined to the community. People will have the opportunity to present the work they have done in schools or hobbies. Children’s artwork will also be shown. The aim is to give the community a voice and can manifest and show itself in the urban context.

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C O 1 is purely commercial M because of its location M 2 is also commercial,E for people passing-by 3 intended R for social interaction and makingC people stay I A L Social interaction will be encouraged in every space

As for the social use, zone 1 is purely commercial (e.g. advertising screens) because of its location near the high-speed users. Zone 2 is also commercial, for passing-by people who still have time to get involved in interactive activities. For zone 3 the main goal is social interaction and making such part of the square more friendly and accessible.

Translating this proposal into images, it would look similar to the next diagram: events, exhibitions, and activities occurring simultaneously, feeding each other-

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As already mentioned, the advantage of the proposed system is its ability to change. The walls have the possibility to slide, lower, or in other ways adapt to new situations, and even change in material. Flexibility is a key component of this proposal. The following are different scenarios that may take place in the new Narinkka Square, and how the functions adapt.

CONFIGURATIONS

LASIPALATSI

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

The normal configuration will mainly be about promoting interaction, creating protected seating areas and having interactive screens distributed along the walls. In such way, the main flows will remain unaffected and technology will be present but without forcing people to play a role in the activity. Exhibitions will take place in the given circles, rendering a more active square.

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LASIPALATSI

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

When events take place, the two circles near the building will be used for such purpose. The entries were placed in such way that they don´t affect the flow of people. In this scenario, people going in the direction of the chapel will have to go around the event circle, solving the problem of the actors mixing.

LASIPALATSI

KAMPPI CENTER CHAPEL

When the big events take place, the circle will expand, taking over the neighboring circles. That way, a bigger number of participants will be ensured. The exhibition circle on the corner will be kept.

As for the flows, if people don´t want to see anything, they can go around the event perimeter.

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Even though our proposal focuses on elements similar to walls and screens, we also consider other possibilities that can be applied in the same model; benches for instance offer good opportunities.

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Snohetta´s project for Times Square Reconstruction.

They propose different configurations of benches that “will define and frame the area’s public plazas. These benches will act as a magnet for visitors, create an infrastructural spine for events, and provide a clear orientation device for tourists and locals alike.”

(Snohetta web page)

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Discussion The overall intention of the proposal was to organize the variety of activities into a more comprehensive ensemble, promoting human interaction while decreasing the disturbance factor of events and other happenings to flows of people. Division of space has been the solution found to achieve these functions and tackle the issues.

At the moment Kamppi is too open and monumental, and people don’t feel the need for staying there. The large space has a lack of functions which probably intends to give the public as many options as possible, but does not succeed at that. This paradox has made the square unused – freedom is hard to exploit if any definition is not made. Our concept creates small spaces within the large scale square, which defines the space and benefits especially cultural interaction and perception of space.

Some might argue that the proposal segregates rather than includes, but it is known that division of space makes a large space pleasant and human scale while providing cozy places for staying (Gehl, 2006). The original openness of the square gets lost, but the pros outnumber the cons.

The amount of functions inside the square has been increased drastically in our proposal, which intends to create interest and attraction to the space. All of the different kinds of activities and atmospheres create the identity the square needs. It could be compared to a bazaar – a series of small spaces having something for everyone. The state-of-the-art pedestrian theory has been enhanced in the design process and options for strategic, tactical, and operational levels are well seen in the new design. The proposal makes the square a true component of the Kamppi complex and a part of people’s routines.

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Even though the proposal’s bold shapes might occasionally disturbs passers-by, the regulation and rationalization of flows has more positives than negatives. In the positioning of the circles, flows were taken into consideration and sudden turns have tried to be avoided.

Of course, the intention of putting anything physical on the square might cause trouble among users, but in the end researches pointed us into the previously viewed result. Overall the design solves the major problems identified in the analyses: the uncomfortable mix of flows and activities.

While creating the proposal, maintenance was discussed.

It is important to consider how such an intervention could stand by itself. Our intention was to let the people be the actual caretakers of the project, but it is complemented with managing entities.

Sponsors would be responsible of certain spaces having citizens know of their involvement, while other circles would be always available for the community’s use. In the public spaces, the City of Helsinki should play an important role providing for the citizens.

Attachment to the space, turning a space into a place, would be one of the goals achieved with the maintenance system. Freedom to organize small events, possibility to host exhibitions and involvement in the square’s activities and other actors contributes to the formation of a place. At once, the space gains identity and positive image and the quality and value of the square increases. According to Gehl (2006), the most important thing that must happen between buildings is life, because that’s most attractive to people. In conclusion, inclusion of people has a positive aftermath: having life the square would stop being a transition zone.

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These proposed improvements answer to two of Gehl’s classification of activities: optional and social activities. As seen, our whole idea is based on giving the people options for staying and making them feel more familiar to the square, in other words optional activities. The more optional activities, the better the place is, and that’s the main reason why Narinkka Square lacks dynamism. As a result of increasing optional activities, social activities would occur – which is our ultimate goal. The creation of inviting spaces in which people can get socially involved results in attractive areas that people like to frequent. Out of Gehl’s activity classification, the necessary is least promoted in our proposal. Necessary activities in this case would be the flows, which while ot being enhanced, are not neglected either. The proposal respects the walking patterns, and in cases transforms them into something more controlled and independent answering to people’s request of not mixing both flows and events.

Finally we evaluate the possibilities of applying the concept to other public squares suffering from similar problems. Not so long ago, urban planners designed with an oversimplified conception of space, resulting in open spaces with inhuman proportions. This has had a great effect in life in public spaces nowadays and a solution is needed. Our design seeks to bring some definition to such open areas by creating interactive and inclusive spaces, while taking into account the ability to change to given conditions. It’s the proposal’s flexible character that enables and even encourages it to be tried out in other squares, but a critical eye is called upon – each place own features need to be taken into consideration.

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Conclusions Kamppi is a strategic point that has served different purposes throughout the years. We firmly believe that the creation of the building was a good solution for the current demands. It has solved a lot of previous problems already by hosting different functions in one single complex. However, when investigating the outside areas, people are becoming more and more dissatisfied with the confusing flows and activities going on in the square.

Through various methods, including a fieldwork in which we had the opportunity of observing the actual conditions, we analyzed the different types of actors, circulation, properties, and patterns. A clear pattern of flows was detected: when leaving the building, people usually tend to go in two directions: to the chapel’s side or the direction towards Kiasma. The rest of the flows are small compared to those two, and the corners next to the entrance are basically left abandoned. As seen in the maps in the analysis part, there are clear spaces that lack the presence of people to become more welcoming.

The conducted interviews confirmed our perceptions and we could notice the feeling and discomfort they experienced when going through the square. The massive dimensions make it feel unprotected, making people just to passby even if there is something happening. Different intentions and wants and needs create the problem solving a challenge. Some people want to get involved, others only want to see what’s happening, and the rest just want to get through, as fast as possible without having any actual contact with the activity. Describing the amount of actors as a problem, refers not in decreasing the number of actors, but in control and providing a good environment benefiting all.

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In the end we concluded that a division of space would make Narinkka Square a more dynamic place. By doing so the square would acquire a more human scale that people could relate to. Different activities and possibilities were proposed to attract more people interested in the square, which would eventually result in more life to the square. The generation of such space has also the intention to give a better organization and understanding of the area. Instead of hiding the massive existing flow patterns, they were respected. The aim was to control them in a way that people have the choice of getting involved in the proposed activities or if wanted, just keep to themselves. All in all, the objective of creating a multi-functioning square with flows, events and human interaction peacefully in one urban space, was achieved.

With the proposed design Narinkka Square gains a special character and would be perceived in a changed way: not as a transition zone but a place to be.

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References Works Cited City of Helsinki. Keskustan ja Kampin aluesuunnitelma 2012-2021. Helsingin kaupungin rakennusviraston julkaisut 2012:6. Helsinki: Rakennusvirasto, 2012.

Daamen, W. Modelling passenger flows in public transport facilities. Delft: Delft University Press, 2004.

Gehl, Jan, Lotte, Johansen Kaefer, and Reigstad, Solveja.

“Close Encounters with Buildings” in Urban Design International 11 (2006): 29-47.

Gehl, Jan. Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space.

6th ed. Copenhagen: Danish Architectural Press, 2006.

Thompson, Catherine Ward. “Urban Open Space in the 21st Century” in Landscape and Urban Planning 60 (2002): 59-72.

Millonig, A., and Gartner, G. “Identifying Motion and Interest Patterns of Shoppers for Developing a Personalized Way of Finding Tools” in Journal of Location Based Services 5 (2011): 3-21.

Moussaïd, Mehdi. “How Simple Rules Determine Pedestrian Behavior and Crowd Disasters” in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 108 (2011): 6884-6888.

Mustonen, Pertti. 2010. Kaupungin sielua etsimässä.

Helsinki: Edita, 2010.

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Hoogendoorn, S.P. , and Bovy, P.H.L. “Pedestrian RouteChoice and Activity Scheduling Theory and Models.” in Journal of Planning Literature 16 (2001): 13-18.

Rad, Vahid Bigdeli, and Ngah, Ibrahim Bin. “Assessment of Quality of Public Urban Spaces” in Science International 26 (2014): 335-338.

Photos https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3296/3084293045_a0e4fbf3e7. jpg http://static.squarespace.com/ static/52bdd7dfe4b02ffea75a35d6/t/53daf629e4b0467cf 6b04937/1406858807588/Kampin+Kappeli http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWcuYk8j4QY/UF2ZXD_DyfI/ AAAAAAAAKdo/PDmAbup5e2g/s640/hiljaisuudenkap3_260412.jpg https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg. com/236x/47/91/3d/47913d66902c8eda61901372631b3bf2.jpg Events: https://freebutfun.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/p1000931. jpg http://diarioelmorro.cl/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/imazumba-chinchorro-400x242.jpg http://anandzcreation.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/ recycling-workshop-at-bookaroo.jpg Benches http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/49/38/ f4/4938f4445dd8ced336355d75b6be6dc3.jpg http://snohetta.com/uploads/project/9/max_ a857e45f037046a2869903cb01db8d9f.jpg http://snohetta.com/uploads/project/9/ max_6e34a97ec5c1ccc1b0adbb599e25a51f.jpg

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COMMENTS ON RESEARCH PROPOSAL

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Comments

At first, when choosing the topic to develop in the final research proposal, we had no idea on what to address. However, we found inspiration on the actual fieldwork done for the first period, in which the analysis of the square was performed. Sometimes we realized we didn´t had enough material to draw precise conclusions because our scope didn’t include as many users as we would have wished. Even though it was complicated, we tried to approach the analysis in a way we could measure by ourselves through our direct observations. That’s how we solved the problem of the research.

Then, for the proposal, we developed various concepts that were very different between each other. We started with very concrete and solid elements. However we focused on giving a more conceptual solution that could adapt in a given situation. We thought it was a good solution, but the representation, as noticed by the teachers, could have been better.

Beside, on the presentation we should have been more confident on our final product-may be the lack of time affected us. But personally what I´ve learned from this was to accept and embrace what one has done, and defend it no matter what. So now I can say I really liked the final result and I would like to continue developing it- even trying it out in my own city to prove its efficiency in a different context.

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FINAL CONCLUSION

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Conclusion

As a general overview, the laboratory was a very comprehensible introduction to the world of urban research and planning. In my case, I chose this studio because I knew it would address important matters with a critical approach. Actually, I had never been in any urban class so it was very interesting to read the articles and hear the different points of view my classmates had. Also the teachers were very well-prepared and always had good material to present. I could see they are really passionate about what they teach. The examples they gave, for instance, were illustrative and helped to understand better the topic. The feedback sessions we had were also fruitful and having other classmates present was good to learn also from their mistakes. The discussions we had were valuable and the support of the whole group was priceless. The projects were interesting, specially the fieldworks and analysis of Helsinki; I think I learned the most from that assignment. Regarding the final assignment, I felt we had an interesting topic and a even more compelling product. I learned a lot from the observations made and the discussion we gad. Ultimately, I want to continue learning about urban research and planning in my school to compare the different perspectives and ideas we might have in Mexico.

At the end, the Laboratory made me realize how important this topic actually is.

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Javier Jair Montemayor Leos 100