Redevelopment of a small waterfront city, Mikkeli Finland by Kitting Yu

[On the edge] Redevelopment of a waterfront city - Mikkeli, Finland

Kit Ting Karie Yu

[introduction] [Problem] The Finnish city of Mikkeli is calling for a design proposal for city expansion. The planned area for development is ambitious in size, considering current demographic trends. According to the population forecast in 2003, Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Until 2012, the city has managed to maintain its population. Does it, however, mean that the planned city expansion is realistic? [Role of Design] Mikkeli is struggling with challenges of an aging population, losing young and educated inhabitants; with contaminated soils from its industrial past and with the need for infrastructure transformation. In the battle against the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle the fundamental problems and design for steady growth. This diploma proposes a spatial concept for increasing the attractiveness of Mikkeli as a carrier of sensible growth.

[The city]

[History] Mikkeli (St. Michel) founded in 11 century, was an important trading port in Eastern Finland. Following the decrease in importance of the shipping industry, the harbour become tranquil. The postindustrial areas transformed to residential and touristic sites. Mikkeli targets to transform the harbour to attractive ecological development for residence and tourists.

[ history profile] [Industrialization] The city of Mikkeli was founded in the beginning of the 11th century and became a centre of eastern Finland and the trade on the inland lakes through to the Baltic Sea. In the 19th and 20th centuries Mikkeli harbour was a busy industrial and tourist port. The industrial activities transformed, and infrastructure moved from ships to rails and then roads. The once bustling harbour gradually slowed down.

[1] Mikkeliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first town plan by C.L. Engel, 1838

[1] Industrial activities mainly around the water front, residential buildings are remote from the water

[2] Development of the city

[2] Mikkeli was an important trading port in Eastern Finland [3] The railway and timber yard seperated the town to the left and the lake to the right.

[ history profile] [Post-Industrial] Most of the former industrial areas have been transformed over the years for residential use but Satamalahti (the former extensive harbour and industrial area) remains undeveloped. The city’s geographical location offers great potential for the development of shipping, tourism and recreational boat traffc. In the 1980s the new route of main highway VT5 was constructed.

[Ecological era] [1]In 1980s, the construction of the new route for the main highway VT 5 cut off Savilahti bay, the “eye of Saimaa”, turning it into a separate area of water which was connected to the more extensive waters to the south under the Savilahti bridge.

The city has approximately 11% of Finland forest resources and aims at promoting sustainable timber construction development. The desire for the area is to create a highquality extension of the city centre and an attractive tourist destination which can be reached from as far as the Baltic Sea via the Saimaa Canal. The city’s tourism activities have already been developed in Pursiala, the site of the Mikkelipuisto Park with its model gardens, the heritage vicarage at Kenkävero and the new Pursialaguest harbour project.

1838

Foundation of Mikkeli

1843

Became province captital of Eastern Finland

1939

Headquarters Finnish Defence Forces in Wrold wars

CHANGES

the city the shoreline

1860

1950

1960

2012

[the city]

10km

2000 km

100 km

3.5 HOUR TO HELSINKI

10 km

3 km

1,5 km

[the city]

1.5km

Mikkeli, Finland

Bjorvika, Oslo, Norway

Venice, Italy

0,5

43,346

[demography]

40000

1980

2000

1990

2030

2020

2010

40000

Percentage of age groups

50000

Population forecast

50000

1980

2000

1990

40000

1980

1990

2030

2020

2010

2000

40000

2020

2010

Population forecast

Percentage of age groups

35 30 25 20 15

2030

2000

1990

40000

2030

2020

2010

1980

2000

1990

1980

43,346

7-15 0-6 85-

1990

2000

25-44

40000

2010

2020

46,422

2030

5 Percentage 0 of age groups

1550000

75-84 15-24

7-15 0-6

1980

40000

985-

1,0 2000

1990

0,5 1992

1990 0

1996

1525 8

1,5

20 14.35

1,0 12.85

65-74 75-84 15-24

10 0,0

40000 1994 1996 0,0 1990 15 Percentage of overcroded dwelling1992 43,346 2030 2020 2000 2010 1980 1990 2030 1994 1996 1992 2020 1990 35 The small Scandinavian city Mikkeli is calling for design proposal 10 for city expansion. The targeted built area is considerably ambiThe small Scandinavian city Mikkeli is calling for design proposal tious to the current 30 demographic trend. According to the populafor city expansion. The targeted area is considerably of built overcroded dwelling ambi40000 Percentage tion forecast in40000 2003, Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Up to2020 demographic trend. According popula2000 to the 2010 2030 tious to the current1980 1990 2000is calling 2010for design proposal The small 1980 Scandinavian 14.35 2020 1990city Mikkeli GDP per capital /1000€ 2012, the small city managed to maintain its population, however, tion forecast in 2003, 10 Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Up to 25 for city expansion. The targeted built area is considerably 45-64 ambidoes it mean the vast city expansion realistic? 2012, the small city managed to maintain its population, however, tious to15 the current demographic trend. According to25-44 the popula- 8 does it mean the vast city expansion realistic? 12.85 7.6 20 tion forecast in 2003, Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Up to Mikkeli is struggling with challenges of aging society, losing young Percentage of 12 2012, the small city managed to maintain its population, however, Unemployment rate Mikkeli is struggling with challenges of aging society, losing young GDP per capital /1000€ and educated inhabitants, pollution and infrastructure transformagroups 65-74 doesagainst itage mean the vast expansion realistic? 15 and educated inhabitants, pollution and infrastructure transformation. In the battle the fate of city shrinking, it is crucial to tackle

5 0

Young population is decreasing while the old increase 1

7-15 0-6

The small Scandinavian city Mikkeli is calling for design proposal 85-

for city expansion. The targeted built area is considerably ambi10 tious to the current demographic trend. According to the population forecast in 2003, 9 Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Up to 2012, the small5city managed 1992its population, 1994 however, 1996 1990to maintain does it mean the vast city expansion realistic?

Mikkeli is struggling with challenges of aging society, losing young Percentage of overcroded dwellingtransformaand educated inhabitants, pollution and infrastructure The small Scandinavian city Mikkeli is calling for design proposal tion. In the battle against the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle for city expansion. The targeted built area is considerably ambi- the fundamental10 problems and design for a steady growth. The tious to the current demographic trend. According to the popula-diploma aims at a strategic approach to create attractive environment for this small water edge city. tion forecast in 2003, Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Up to

12 4 10

75-84 15-2410

1998 85-

1997

1999

1990 1990

1992

1994

1996

0,5

1998 40

1999

1992

1994

1996

1994

1996

1994

1998

1996

1998

1992

1994

1995 15.4

11.7 1.26

2000

1998

35 Unemployment rate

12.85

2001

1990

1997 1997

11.7

1992

20 30

1994

1996

1998

2000

1994

1997

35.8

. The incomes are relatively low population is aging rapidly . Losing young and educated because of lack of job opportunity 1999 2001 . Proportion of15.4 foreigners is low but incresing .housing area 11.7 per person is incresing

1994

1996

1998

2000

1998

2000

35.8

35 35.8

11.7

5.7

25 15.4

2000

The unemployment rate is higher than the average in Finland 1 1992

1990

7.6

1998

35.8 15.4

1995 1995

1996

7.6

14.35 30 5.7 4

1994

Area of housing per capital (m2)

1992

1990

1996

because of lack of job . Proportion of foreign incresing .housing area per pers

2000

Area of housing per capital (m2) 1994 1992 1990

1992

1990

11.7

2001

[economy]

The GDP per capita is lower than the average in Finland 1

. The incomes are relatively low population is aging rapidly . Losing young and educated because of lack of job opportunity . Proportion of foreigners is low but incresing Unemployment rate 35 .housing area per person is incresing

1997

10 1992 1,0

2000

11.7 1.26

7.6 Unemployment rate . The incomes are relatively low population is aging rapidly 25 . Losing young and educated 25 1.26 because of lack of14.35 job opportunity 5.7 . Proportion of foreigners is low but 15.4 Percentage of incresing foreginers 20 20 12.85 .housing area per person is incresing 2,0 30

1992

1998

15.4

0,0Area of housing per capital (m2)

2030

2020

0,0 40

19991999

1996

2001 2001

1998

1995

The housing area per person is increasing 1 1997

1999

2001

2000

1997

1995

Area of housing per capital (m2)

1999

2001

15.4

11.7

7-15 0-6

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

7.6

Area of housing per capital (m2) 1992 1994 1990

1996

1998

35.8

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

The small Scandinavian city Mikkeli is calling for design proposal for city expansion. The targeted built area is considerably ambi4 tious to the8current demographic trend. According to the popula7.6 tion forecast in 2003, Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Up to Mikkeli is struggling with challenges of aging society, losing young Source 1 : The Welfare in Mikkeli conducted by the city of Mikkeli (January 2003) 2012, the small city managed to maintain its population, however, and educated inhabitants, pollution and infrastructure transformahttp://www.mikkeli.fi/fi/liitteet/03_mikkeli-tieto/03_julkaisut/hyvinvointiselvitys.pdf does it mean the vast city expansion realistic? tion. In the battle against the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle the fundamental problems and design for a steady growth. The 6 Source2: http://www.citypopulation.de Mikkeli is struggling with challenges of aging society, losing young5.7 diploma aims at a strategic approach to create attractive environand educated inhabitants, pollution and infrastructure transformament for this small water edge city. tion. In the battle against the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle 2012, the small city managed to maintain its population, however, does it mean the vast city expansion realistic?

1995

65-74Percentage of overcroded dwelling

1990

1998

15 1,5

10 25 2030

diploma aims10 at a strategic approach to create attractive environ5.7 and educated inhabitants, pollution and infrastructure7-15 transforma- diploma aims at a strategic approach to create attractive environment 45-64 for this small water edge city. 0-6 ment for this small water edge city. tion. the battle against the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle 5 In30 25-44 20 85the fundamental problems and design for a steady growth. The 12.85 6 diploma aims at a strategic approach to create attractive environ12 4 0 25 1997 1999 2001 1995 45-649 65-74 ment for this small water edge city. 1992 1994 1996 1998 1990 15 25-44 75-84 15-24

2000

5 1990 1998 Area of housing per 0,5capital (m2) 1998 2000 Percentage of overcroded dwelling 40 Unemployment rate

25 the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle tion. In the battle 15 8against 75-84 the fundamental problems and design for a steady growth. The 6the fundamental problems and design for a steady growth. The Mikkeli35 is struggling with challenges of aging society, 15-24 losing young14.35

1995

1.26

1990

1998

1996

Unemployment rate

12 4 0,5

GDP per capital /1000€

1996

1994

Percentage of overcroded dwelling 2000 2010 1980 1990

85-

1994

0,0

1994

GDP 2,0per capital /1000€

7-15 48,907 0-6 2030

2020

2010

1992

Percentage of foreginers

65-74

1992

25-44

20 1,5 Population growth

1990

2030

2020

2010

1990

43,346

35 is struggling with challenges of aging society, losing young Mikkeli Percentage of foreginers and educated inhabitants, pollution and infrastructure transforma48,907 tion.30 In the battle against the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle the fundamental2,0 problems and design for a steady growth.12.85 The 25 aims at a strategic approach to create attractive environ12 45-64 diploma 45-64 ment for this small water edge city.

75-84 15-24 48,907

5000015

40000

2010

65-74

Population forecast

2000

25-44

46,422

43,346

45-64

25 50000

1980

1996

1.26

10 1,0

0,5

0,0

50000

Population growth

46,422

35 30

50000

1990

85-

1994

. The incomes are relatively low population is aging rapidly . Losing young and educated . The incomes are relatively low Unemployment rate because of lack of jobpopulation opportunity is aging rapidly . Proportion of foreigners is low but and educated . Losing young 25 incresing because of lack of job opportunity .housing area per person is incresing . Proportion of foreigners is low but . The incomes are relat population is aging ra Percentage of foreginers incresing 20 .housing area per person is incresing. Losing young and ed 2,0

15 1,5

48,907

0,5

7-15 0-6

46,422

14.35

25 Population forecast

1,0

1992

1990

500001,0

75-84 15-24

40000 GDP per capital /1000€1990 2030 2020 2000 2010 1980 The small Scandinavian city Mikkeli is calling for design proposal 15 for city expansion. The targeted built area is considerably ambitious to the current demographic trend. According to the populaGDP per capital /1000€ tion forecast in 2003, Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Up to Percentage of 2012,growth the small Population 15 city managed to maintain its population, however, age groups does it mean the vast city expansion realistic?

Percentage of age groups

50000

1980

65-74

40000

1.26

12.85

1,5

Population growth

43,346

Percentage of age groups

The actual population maintained steady after the peak in 2000 2

25-44

48,907

14.35

1,5

45-64

48,907

43,346

40000

Percentage of foreginers

2,0

20 Population forecast 46,422

The population was expected to decrease to 46422 in 2010 and 43346 in 2012 1

2,0

50000 25 46,422

0,0

2030

2020

2010

GDP per capital /1000€

30 Population growth

50000

2000

1990

Percentage of foreginers 15

35 Population growth

Population forecast

1980

Percentage of overcroded dwelling

5.7

10 1997

1995

1999

2001

Area of housing per capital (m2)

35.8

35 8

1997

1995

7.6

1999

2001

35.8

Mikkeli Average in Finland

Scenario: The targeted 370,000m2 are built

What does Mikkeli need? If we build as much as the municipality target: 370,000m2 average housing area per capita in Mikkeli : 35.9 m2 An extreme scenario, if all the area is used for housing: 370,000m2 / 35.9 m2 = 10300 A development suitable for a population growth of 10,300 people which is 21% of the current population?

The fast growth of 20% is considered to be unrealistic Step by step sustainable development is suggested. The fundamental key issues must be tackled before the devlopment:

[the key issues]

[the pollutants] After decades of industrial activitiy, residual pollutants like heavy metals and Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) are found in the old port area. These soils must be cleaned before further development. A phytoremediation field can functional as recreational ground, education centre and for scientific research purpose.

[the structure] The railway separates the city from the waterfront, the unused railway tracks will be transformed to reconnect the city to the water. Buildings are part of the collective memory of a city and it is important to preserve or reflect in the design. Buildings of high architectural values will be transformed to adaptive uses. The construction base or structure of most of the demolished buildings will be transformed for different recreational use. The construction of flyovers filled up parts of the lakes and block the natural water flow and the round-about create heavy trafficked space. The bridges will be stand on pillars to allow waterflow underneath and will be redirected to reduce conflict

[the water] Infrastructural developments along the waterfront area have closed up parts of the lakes. Pollution from traffic and industrial activities along with the stale water conditions are heavily affecting the water quality. A key concept in this project is to reopen the closed lakes and address the historical shoreline.

[the edges] The water body of Mikkeli is connected to Finlands largest lake system, Saimaa. There is a great potential to develop the waterfront edge for recreational purpose. The existing edge is however used as storage, boat parking or abandoned. The project aims at creating a continuous waterfront promenade for visitors to explore the natural potential of Mikkeli.

mixture heavy metal PAH compound

[the key issues]

Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation is a group of innovative technologies that use plants and and natural processes for in situ risk reduction and removal of contaminants from contaminated soil, water, sediments, and air. It is an energy efficient, esthically pleasing method of remediating sites with low to moderate levels of contamination and it can be used in conjuction with other more traditional remedial methods as a finishing step to the remedial process. One of the main advantages of phytoremediation is that of its relatively low cost compared to other remedial methods such as excavation.

In Mikkeli there are areas with contamination soil in the waterfront. Phytoremediation fields is the pilot program for the redevelopment. The low cost and the potential for growing a new functional greenstructure that could act as a framework for the new urban development. The field works as recreational and educational purposes duing the cleaning period. In addition, the process produces biomass that can be utilized for energy production, while stabilizing the contaminants extracted.

Remediation tools applied - Phytoremediation concept Remediation tools applied - Phytoremediation concept mixture

heavy metal

PHYTOREMEDIATION / research & development Developing Hyperaccumulators

Phytoremediation represents a group of innovative technologies that use plants and natural aromatic Polycyclic processes for in situ risk reduction and removalhydrocarbon of contaminants from contaminated soil, (PAH) water, sediments, and air. Specially selected or engineered plants are used in the process. compound Risk reduction can be through a process of removal, degradation of, or containment of a contaminant or a combination of any of these factors. Phytoremediation is an energy efﬁcient, aesthically pleasing method of remediating sites with low to moderate levels of contamination and it can be used in conjuction with other more traditional remedial methods as a ﬁnishing step to the remedial process.

Selection of accumulator plants

One of the main advantages of phytoremediation is that of its relatively low cost compared to other remedial methods such as excavation. In many cases phytoremediation has been found to be less than half the price of alternative methods. Phytoremediation also offers a permanent in situ remediation rather than simply translocating the problem.

Cross-breeding of the most effective accumulators

In Groruddalen there are extensive areas of contaminated soil. The Phytoremediation tools provide a possibility to utilize the need to reclaim Groruddalen to initiate a pilot program for this method there. The low cost and the potential for growing a new functional greenstructure that could act as a framework for the new urban development.

Product: Hyperaccumulator plants

In addition, the process produces biomass that can be utilized for energy production, while stabilizing contaminants Year 1 theYear 2 Yearextracted. 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Biofuel / Bioethanol Production

Phytomounds

PHYTOTERRACES

Biofuel / Bioethanol Production Energy / Heating

Biomass incinerated at appropriate incineration plant

Greenhouse gas neutral emissions

Energy / Heating

Greenhouse gas neutral emissions

Harvest after 4 - 5 years

Cross-breeding of the most effective accumulators

Phytoremediation ﬁeld planted with hyperaccumulator plants developed for extractingPhytoﬁelds various contaminants in the soil

PHYTOREMEDIATION / CONCEPT

Contaminated soil

Selection of accumulator plants

CONFIGURATIONS / adaptive to different conditions PHYTOREMEDIATION / CONCEPT

In addition, the process produces biomass that can be utilized for energy production, while stabilizing the contaminants extracted.

Phytoremediation ﬁeld planted with hyperaccumulator plants developed for extracting various contaminants in the soil

PHYTOREMEDIATION / research & development Developing Hyperaccumulators

Phytoremediation represents a group of innovative technologies that use plants and natural processes for in situ risk reduction and removal of contaminants from contaminated soil, water, sediments, and air. Specially selected or engineered plants are used in the process. Risk reduction can be through a process of removal, degradation of, or containment of a contaminant or a combination of any of these factors. Phytoremediation is an energy efficient, aesthically pleasing method of remediating sites with low to moderate levels of contamination PHYTOSUCCESSION and it can be used in conjuction with other more traditional remedial methods as a finishing step the remedial Onetoexample of howprocess. the succession of plants are in a phytoremediation field. This illustration gives a picture of the variations in a field over time. One the mainshows advantages of phytoremediation that of like its relatively Theofexample the lifecycle of fast-growingisspecies populous low ssp.cost compared to other remedial methods such as excavation. In many cases phytoremediation has been found to be less than half the price of alternative methods. Phytoremediation also offers a permanent in situ remediation rather than simply translocating the problem.

Phytoterraces combined with wetland retainment basins preventing contaminants from reaching the natural water cycle in steep the areas where polluted soil are located right next to the river. Harvest after 4 - 5 years Contaminated soil

Biomass incinerated at appropriate incineration plant

Accumulated contaminants for reuse / proper treatment

Source: Systemic reclamation, a functional green infastructure for Grorudalen

[the structure] The railway separates the city from the waterfront, the unused railway tracks will be transformed to reconnect the city to the water.

Buildings are part of the collective memory of a city and it is important to preserve or reflect in the design. Buildings of high architectural values will be transformed to adaptive uses. The construction base or structure of most of the demolished buildings will be transformed for different recreational use.

The construction of flyovers filled up parts of the lakes and block the natural water flow and the round-about create heavy trafficked space. The bridges will be stand on pillars to allow waterflow underneath and will be redirected to reduce conflict

Past

Now

1860

1950

1960

2012

The shoreline

massive abandoned industrial buildings - transformed to adaptive use

unused railway tracks - reconnect city to water

flyover filled up lake , block flow of water - pillars - allow waterflow underneath

soft edges

[the edges]

The water body of Mikkeli is connected to Finlands largest lake system, Saimaa. There is a great potential to develop the waterfront edge for retcreational purpose. The existing edge is however used as storage, boat parking or abandoned. The project aims at creating a continuous waterfront promenade for visitors to explore the natural potential of Mikkeli.

2 6

4 5

11 7

hard edges 8 1

1 2

3 6

7 10 9

8 3 10

5 12

4 4

existing waterfront pedestrian route and green space

the proposed waterfront loop

[concept]

WATER

axis

green structure

OPEN SPACES AND WATERFRONT LOOP

WATER

. water treatment canal . connection to existing wetland . reopen filled lake

[concept]

introduction of water treatment canal

A water treatment canal is placed in between the contaminated site and the city and continues down the length of the site, it seperates the contaminated soil from the clean soil.

contaminated soil

Gently sloping sides provide exposure to sunlight for UV filtration, and vegetation for phytoremediation.

Swales / ditches transport surface water from the field to water treatment canal and then wetland at the south end

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;clean soilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - the city

Axis

. address the city grid . visula connection from city to the water

[concept]

Study of vegetation volumes in relation to city grid

Over the time potential development of the area can be revised in regards to the need of the city of Mikkeli. The linear volumes of trees to mature can play a role in the structuring of new uses for the site.

Variation according to different programs

green structure

. green structure to address the city grid . as framework for further urban development

OPEN SPACES AND WATERFRONT LOOP

. open space along water edges . continuous waterfront promenade . explode natural potential

[design]

[PLAN]

[railroad park]

urban beach

7 [waterfront

recreation loop ]

2 [remediation zone] 3 [water treatment canal]

waterfront deck

4 [event space] 5 [city wedge]

6 [wetland zone] botanical garden

[railroad park]

Populus

The closed down railroad area alongside the old harbour is transformed with pedestrian and bicycle lanes filling the tracks and green carpets of grass in between. The prependicular lines of the city street grid are marked by volumes of Populus on either side. Along the paths, these volumes provide variations of light, shade and spatial qualities.

Pier2, Taiwan

Zhongshan Shipyard Park, China

Existing condition

railway in use

sceening grass carpet/ installation sitting out bicycle

pedestrian walk

water treatment canal pedestrian walk

2 [water treatment canal]

A water treatment canal is placed in between old train tracks and continues down the length of the site, transporting surface water collected from swales to the wetland at the south end. Gently sloping sides provide exposure to sunlight for UV filtration, and vegetation for phytoremediation. Water is led from Rokkalanjoki river to ensure continuous water flow. Steps slow down and retain water for sedimentation and form crossings along the canal. Where water flow over the steps, small waterfalls ensure oxygenation of the water.

Rokkalanjoki river

Activities in water canal Cheonggyecheon, Korea

Swale for water collection and transportation

canal swales

Water cleaning vegetation Fornebu Park, Norway

Schematic cross section of water canal Steps slow down and retain water for sedimentation and form crossings along the canal.

Water accumulate and sediment by the step

wetland

Where water flow over the steps, small waterfalls ensure oxygenation of the water

water treatment canal

reused old railway track

[remediation zone] PAH contaminated soils are vegetated with deep rooted trees and perennials for phytoremediation. Linear planted volumes of Betula provide visual connection to the city grid.

heavy metal remediation field

Soils contaminated by heavy metals are vegetated with shallow rooted grasses and plantings of Pine repeat the linear volumes.

b A

Footprints of demolished buildings are kept and provide surface variations, platforms and base for sport facilities. A path for running is provided around and through the remediation zone, a shorter path circles the existing hill and through a pine grove. Apart from these, paths are placed according to subsequent usage of the area.

mixed remediation field

A B Over the time, as soils are remediated and the area is recognised as a public space, the potential development of the area can be revised, in regards to the need of the city of Mikkeli. As time has allowed the linear volumes of trees to mature, these can play a role in the structuring of new uses for the site.

PAH remediation field

Section (AA) through PAH remediation field Deep root vegetation (0-4m)

Section (BB) through heavy metal remediation field Shallow root vegetation (1.5m)

Betula

Pinus

Phytoremediation field

[remediation field1]

[remediation field2]

- Vegetated with deep rooted trees and perennials for phytoremediation. - Linear planted volumes of Betula provide visual connection to the city grid.

- Jogging path . shorter path circles the existing hill and through a pine grove. - Vegetated with shallow rooted grasses and plantings of Pine repeat the linear volumes.

Betula

remediation field (heavy metals)

Base of demolished buildings

pine

existing hill jogging path recreation

remediation field (mixed pollutants) remediation field (PAH)

ark

ad p railro

eld ion fi t a i d reme (PAH) ent m t a tre water canal

atio recre

ont erfr nade t a w me pro

t prom n o r f r wate enade

oad railrark p

er al wat nt can e tm trea

n/ atiofield i d e rem eation r c re

4 [event space] An open flexible square form a central eventspace and marketplace along the waterfront. The existing buildings are converted to support multiple functions.

Transformation of buildings to recreation West Seoul Lake Park, Korea

transformed building flexible market and event space

landmark science museum waterfront promenade

[city wedge] Two buildings are formed to meet in a V-shape, extending the view along the lines of the street grid. The grass covered roofs serve as green hills and connecting point to the existing pedestrian bridge.

Exisiting connection to the city

sceening installation

w treatater m cana ent l Bicycle lane

Pedestrian walk and sitting

shop

s and

event space

City wedge

resta u

rant wate rfro

nt pr o

men

ade

6 [wetland zone] The existing wetland area is extended and reconnected to the lake. Surface water is led through the treatmentcanal and filtered through the wetland vegetation. Linear plantings of Alnus make a visual connection to the formal grid structure of the city.

Alnus

bird watching house populus

Alnus

swale

cultural event space railway museum

bird watching house

railw parkay

wat er tr e can atmen al t

wet la

small path to experience nature

[waterfront recreation loop] Continuous waterfront walk will connect different parts of the city. Recreational spaces will be developed to enrich the existing natural spatial qualities:

urban beach swimming deck

- Urban beach at the south facing park - Waterfront deck and sauna house at the existing reed bed - Water treatment plant will be transformed to botanical garden

Sauna house waterfront deck

Copenhagen harbour bath

lake for water activities

Pirrama park, Sydney

fishing deck departure point for water sports in lake saimma botanical garden

extended marina

Seine river, Paris

Different activities in relation to water and waterplant, Stockholm

phase 1

[the key issues and solutions]

mixture PAH compound

phase 2 TRANSFORMING

Phytoremediaation of pure heavy metals and PAH contaminated field

[the pollutants] heavy metal

CLEANING

vegetation

Vegetation on the edge of water canal

INTRODUCING

Reconnecting existing soft edge Water treatment botanical garden

Formation of wetland

Demolition of existing buildings

Selective conservation of exisiting structures

structure

phase 3

Redirecting bridges Transformation of existing buildings

Pedestrian bridge Introducing new functions

[the structure] Reshaping of existing hill

landform

Construction of water treatment canal with connecting swales

[the water]

water

activities

[the edges]

Landform armature of extended wetland

Construction of water canal

Formation of artificial hill

Connecting wetland to the lake

Potential connection to the city storm water system

Connecting canal to the Rokkalanjoki river

Construction of wetland treatment system

Opening up waterfront for pedestrian Phytoremediation park Railroad transformed for bicycle paths Bird watching

Upgrading central waterfront event space

Railway museum

Urban beach Waterfront Recreational areas

Waterfront deck and sauna house

Landmark science centre

Botanical garden

phase 1

Reshaping of existing hill

CLEANING

Construction of water canal Construction of water treatment canal with connecting swales

water

landform

Construction of wetland treatment system Selective conservation of exisiting structures

Demolition of existing buildings

structure Phytoremediation of pure heavy metals and

PAH contaminated field Formation of wetland

vegetation

activities

Opening up waterfront for pedestrian Phytoremediation park Railroad transformed for bicycle paths Bird watching

phase 2

TRANSFORMING

Connecting wetland to the lake

landform

Landform armature of extended wetland

Formation of artificial hill

water Redirecting bridges

structure

Transformation of existing buildings

Vegetation on the edge of water canal

vegetation

activities

Upgrading central waterfront event space

Railway museum

phase 3 INTRODUCING Connecting canal to the Rokkalanjoki Potential river connection to the city storm water system

landform

water Pedestrian bridge Introducing new functions

structure Reconnecting existing soft edge Water treatment botanical garden

vegetation Urban beach

activities

Waterfront Recreational areas

Waterfront deck and sauna house

Landmark science centre

Botanical garden

Mikkeli now

Over the time, as soils are remediated and the area is recognised as a public space, the potential development of the area can be revised, in regards to the need of the city of Mikkeli. The growth of city is a continuous process Mikkeli waterfront could be forever an open space...

Or... A combination of buildings and nature

Or... A densified extension of the city

[To be continued...]