redevelopment of a small waterfront city, mikkeli finland

[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 cityexpansion. The planned area for development is ambitious insize, considering current demographic trends. According to thepopulation 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, losingyoung and educated inhabitants; with contaminated soils from itsindustrial past and with the need for infrastructure transformation.In the battle against the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle thefundamental problems and design for steady growth. This diplomaproposes a spatial concept for increasing the attractiveness ofMikkeli as a carrier of sensible growth.

12

[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 post-industrial areas transformed to residential and touristic sites.

Mikkeli targets to transform the harbour to attractive ecological development for residence and tourists.

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

[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][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 abusy industrial and tourist port. The industrial activitiestransformed, and infrastructure moved from ships to railsand then roads. The once bustling harbour gradually slowed down.

[1] Mikkeli’s first town plan by C.L. Engel, 1838

[2] Development of the city

[Ecological era]

The city has approximately 11% of Finland forest resourcesand aims at promoting sustainable timber constructiondevelopment. The desire for the area is to create a highqualityextension of the city centre and an attractive touristdestination which can be reached from as far as the BalticSea via the Saimaa Canal. The city’s tourism activitieshave already been developed in Pursiala, the site of theMikkelipuisto Park with its model gardens, the heritagevicarage at Kenkävero and the new Pursialaguest harbourproject.

[ history profile][Post-Industrial]

Most of the former industrial areas have been transformedover the years for residential use but Satamalahti (theformer extensive harbour and industrial area) remainsundeveloped. The city’s geographical location offers greatpotential for the development of shipping, tourism andrecreational boat traffc. In the 1980s the new route of mainhighway VT5 was constructed.

[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 thesouth under the Savilahti bridge.

changeS

1960 2012

1838 Foundation of Mikkeli

the ShOReline

the city

1843 Became province captital of Eastern Finland

1939 Headquarters Finnish Defence Forces in Wrold wars

12

1860 1950

[the city]

3 km10 km

10km

3.5 HOUR TO HELSINKI

1,5 km2000 km 100 km

[the city]

Bjorvika, Oslo, norway venice, italy

1.5km

mikkeli, finland

40000

50000

2010200019901980 2030 200019981996199419921990

200019981996199419921990

20011999199719952001199919971995

19981996199419921990

2020

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40000

50000

2010200019901980 20302020

9

12

15

Population forecast Population growth

Percentage of foreginers

GDP per capital /1000€

Unemployment rate

Area of housing per capital (m2)Percentage of overcroded dwelling

45-64

Percentage of age groups

25-44

65-74

75-8415-24

7-150-6

85-

0,0

0,5

1,0

1,5

2,0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

4

6

8

10

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

The small Scandinavian city Mikkeli is calling for design proposal for city expansion. The targeted built area is considerably ambi-tious to the current demographic trend. According to the popula-tion forecast in 2003, Mikkeli was expected to shrink steadily. Up to 2012, the small city managed to maintain its population, however, does it mean the vast city expansion realistic?

Mikkeli is struggling with challenges of aging society, losing young and educated inhabitants, pollution and infrastructure transforma-tion. In the battle against the fate of shrinking, it is crucial to tackle the fundamental problems and design for a steady growth. The diploma aims at a strategic approach to create attractive environ-ment for this small water edge city.

15.4

7.6

5.7

35.8

11.7

14.35

12.85

48,90746,422

43,346

1.26

40000

50000

2010200019901980 2030 200019981996199419921990

200019981996199419921990

20011999199719952001199919971995

19981996199419921990

2020

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40000

50000

2010200019901980 20302020

9

12

15




Unemployment rate


45-64


25-44

65-74

75-8415-24

7-150-6

85-

0,0

0,5

1,0

1,5

2,0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

4

6

8

10




15.4

7.6

5.7

35.8

11.7

14.35

12.85

48,90746,422

43,346

1.26

40000

50000

2010200019901980 2030 200019981996199419921990

200019981996199419921990

20011999199719952001199919971995

19981996199419921990

2020

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40000

50000

2010200019901980 20302020

9

12

15




Unemployment rate


45-64


25-44

65-74

75-8415-24

7-150-6

85-

0,0

0,5

1,0

1,5

2,0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

4

6

8

10




15.4

7.6

5.7

35.8

11.7

14.35

12.85

48,90746,422

43,346

1.26

40000

50000

2010200019901980 2030 200019981996199419921990

200019981996199419921990

20011999199719952001199919971995

19981996199419921990

2020

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40000

50000

2010200019901980 20302020

9

12

15




Unemployment rate


45-64


25-44

65-74

75-8415-24

7-150-6

85-

0,0

0,5

1,0

1,5

2,0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

4

6

8

10




15.4

7.6

5.7

35.8

11.7

14.35

12.85

48,90746,422

43,346

1.26

1

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

The housing area per person is increasing 1

MikkeliAverage in Finland

The unemployment rate is higher than the average in Finland 1

[DEMOGRAPHy] [ECONOMy]

40000

50000

2010200019901980 2030 200019981996199419921990

200019981996199419921990

20011999199719952001199919971995

19981996199419921990

2020

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40000

50000

2010200019901980 20302020

9

12

15




Unemployment rate


45-64


25-44

65-74

75-8415-24

7-150-6

85-

0,0

0,5

1,0

1,5

2,0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

4

6

8

10




15.4

7.6

5.7

35.8

11.7

14.35

12.85

48,90746,422

43,346

1.26

40000

50000

2010200019901980 2030 200019981996199419921990

200019981996199419921990

20011999199719952001199919971995

19981996199419921990

2020

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40000

50000

2010200019901980 20302020

9

12

15




Unemployment rate


45-64


25-44

65-74

75-8415-24

7-150-6

85-

0,0

0,5

1,0

1,5

2,0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

4

6

8

10




15.4

7.6

5.7

35.8

11.7

14.35

12.85

48,90746,422

43,346

1.26

40000

50000

2010200019901980 2030 200019981996199419921990

200019981996199419921990

20011999199719952001199919971995

19981996199419921990

2020

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40000

50000

2010200019901980 20302020

9

12

15




Unemployment rate


45-64


25-44

65-74

75-8415-24

7-150-6

85-

0,0

0,5

1,0

1,5

2,0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

4

6

8

10




15.4

7.6

5.7

35.8

11.7

14.35

12.85

48,90746,422

43,346

1.26

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

young population is decreasing while the old increase 1

The actual population maintained steady after the peak in 2000 2

Source 1 : The Welfare in Mikkeli conducted by the city of Mikkeli (January 2003) http://www.mikkeli.fi/fi/liitteet/03_mikkeli-tieto/03_julkaisut/hyvinvointiselvitys.pdf

Source2: http://www.citypopulation.de

what does mikkeli need?

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:

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?

Scenario:the targeted 370,000m2 are built

[the water]

[the pollutants]

[the structure]

3

1

2

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.

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 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 edges]4The 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.

heavy metalPAH compound

mixture

[THE KEy ISSUES]

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 greenstructurethat 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.

phytoremediation

72

Remediation tools applied - Phytoremediation conceptPhytoremediation 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 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 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.

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.

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

PHYTOSUCCESSION

PHYTOTERRACES

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 7Year 4 Year 8Year 5 Year 9Year 6

PHYTOREMEDIATION / research & developmentDeveloping Hyperaccumulators

Selection of accumulatorplants

Cross-breeding of the mosteffective accumulators

Product: Hyperaccumulator plants

PHYTOREMEDIATION / CONCEPT

Phytoremediation field planted withhyperaccumulator plants developed for extracting various contaminantsin the soil

Contaminated soil Harvest after 4 - 5 years Biomass incinerated at appropriate incineration plant

Greenhouse gas neutral emissions

Accumulated contaminantsfor reuse / proper treatment

Biofuel / BioethanolProduction

Energy / Heating

CONFIGURATIONS / adaptive to different conditions

Phytofields Phytomounds

Phytoterraces combined with wetland retainment basins preventing contaminants from reaching the natural water cycle in steep the areaswhere polluted soil are located right next to the river.

One example of how the succession of plants are in a phytoremediation field. This illustration gives a picture of the variations in a field over time. The example shows the lifecycle of fast-growing species like populous ssp.

72

Remediation tools applied - Phytoremediation conceptPhytoremediation 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 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 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.

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.

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

PHYTOSUCCESSION

PHYTOTERRACES

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 7Year 4 Year 8Year 5 Year 9Year 6

PHYTOREMEDIATION / research & developmentDeveloping Hyperaccumulators

Selection of accumulatorplants

Cross-breeding of the mosteffective accumulators

Product: Hyperaccumulator plants

PHYTOREMEDIATION / CONCEPT

Phytoremediation field planted withhyperaccumulator plants developed for extracting various contaminantsin the soil

Contaminated soil Harvest after 4 - 5 years Biomass incinerated at appropriate incineration plant

Greenhouse gas neutral emissions

Accumulated contaminantsfor reuse / proper treatment

Biofuel / BioethanolProduction

Energy / Heating

CONFIGURATIONS / adaptive to different conditions

Phytofields Phytomounds

Phytoterraces combined with wetland retainment basins preventing contaminants from reaching the natural water cycle in steep the areaswhere polluted soil are located right next to the river.

One example of how the succession of plants are in a phytoremediation field. This illustration gives a picture of the variations in a field over time. The example shows the lifecycle of fast-growing species like populous ssp.

Source: Systemic reclamation, a functional green infastructure for Grorudalen

[THE KEy ISSUES][the pollutants]1After 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.

heavy metal

mixture

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (pah) compound

[the water]3Infrastructural 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.

1860 1950 1960

Past

Now

2012

The shoreline

12

[the structure]2The 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

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

SOFTEDGES

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

12

11

10

9

8

98

2

3

5

12

11

10

1

4

7

6

[the edges]4The 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.

HARD EDGES

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

12

11

10

9

8

1

23

5

10 11

98

12

6

4

7

THE PROPOSED WATERFRONT LOOPExISTING WATERFRONT PEDESTRIAN ROUTE AND GREEN SPACE

OPEN SPACES AND

WATERFRONT LOOP

green structure

[CONCEPT]

WATER axis

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

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.

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

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

contaminated soil

introduction of water treatment canal

‘clean soil’ - the city

[CONCEPT]

. address the city grid

. visula connection from city to the water Axis

Over the timepotential 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.

Study of vegetation volumes in relation to city grid Variation according to different programs

[CONCEPT]

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]

[railroad park]

[event space]

[city wedge]

[wetland zone]

[remediation zone]

123

4

5

6

botanical garden

[waterfront recreation loop ]

waterfront deck

urban beach 7

[water treatment canal]

[PLAN]

1

Existing condition

Pier2, Taiwan

Zhongshan Shipyard Park, China

Populus

[railroad park] 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.

railway in use sceening installation

grass carpet/ sitting out bicycle pedestrian

walk

pedestrian walk

water treatment canal

2

Swale for water collection andtransportation

Activities in water canalCheonggyecheon, Korea

Water cleaning vegetationFornebu Park, Norway

[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.

Schematic cross section of water canal

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

Water accumulate and sediment by the step

swales

Rokkalanjoki river

canal

wetland

reused old railway trackwater treatment canal

[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.

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

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.

3

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.

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

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

A

B

pah RemediatiOn field

mixed RemediatiOn field

heavy metal RemediatiOn field

AA

B

water treatment

canal

recreation

railroad park

waterfront prom-

enade

remediation field

(PAH)

Betula

Betula

Phytoremediation field

Base of demolished buildings

water

treatment canal

railroad

park

waterfront

promenade

remediation /

recreation field

remediation field(heavy metals)

remediation field(mixed pollutants)

remediation field(PAH)

recreation

existing hilljogging path

pine

Pinus

- 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.

[remediation field2] [remediation field1] - Vegetated with deep rooted trees and perennials for phytoremediation. - Linear planted volumes of Betula provide visual connection to the city grid.

[event space]

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

4

Transformation of buildings to recreationWest Seoul Lake Park, Korea

tRanSfORmed Building

landmaRkScience muSeum

flexiBle maRket and event Space

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.

5

shops and restaurant

waterfront promenade


event space

City wedge

Pedestrian walk and

sitting

Bicycle lane

Exisiting connection to the city

sceening installation

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.

wetland


railway park

populus

bird watching house

cultural event spacerailway museum

Alnus

alnuS

BiRd watching hOuSe

Swale

small path to experience nature

Different activities in relation to water and waterplant, Stockholm

Copenhagen harbour bath

Pirrama park, Sydney

Seine river, Paris

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

7uRBan Beach

Swimming deck

wateRfROnt deck

Sauna hOuSe

BOtanical gaRden

depaRtuRe pOint fOR wateR SpORtS in lake Saimma

lake fOR wateR activitieS

fiShing deck

extended maRina

Sauna hOuSe

maRina

fiShing deck

[the water]

[the pollutants]

[the structure]

3

1

2

[the key issues and solutions]

[the edges]4

vegetation

structure

landform

water

activities

heavy metalPAH compound

mixture

phase 1 phase 2 phase 3

Vegetation on the edge of water canal Reconnecting existing soft edge

Water treatment botanical garden

cleaning tRanSfORming intROducing

Phytoremediaation of pure heavy metals and PAH contaminated field

Formation of wetland

Transformation of existing buildings

Introducing new functions

Demolition of existing buildings

Redirecting bridges

Pedestrian bridge

Reshaping of existing hill

Formation of artificial hill

Landform armature of extended wetland

Connecting wetland to the lake

Construction of water treatment canal with connecting swales

Connecting canal to the Rokkalanjoki river

Potential connection to the city storm water system

Upgrading central waterfront event space

Opening up waterfront for pedestrian

Phytoremediation park

Railway museum

Waterfront Recreational areas

Landmark science centre

Botanical garden

Waterfront deck and sauna house

Urban beachRailroad transformed for bicycle paths

Construction of water canal

Construction of wetland treatment system

Bird watching

Selective conservation of exisiting structures

phase 1 cleaning

phytoremediation of pure heavy metals and pah contaminated field

formation of wetland

construction of water treatment canal with connecting swales

construction of wetland treatment system

water

vegetation

Selective conservation of exisiting structures

demolition of existing buildings

Reshaping of existing hill

construction of water canal

Opening up waterfront for pedestrian

Railroad transformed for bicycle paths

Bird watching

phytoremediation park

structure

landform

activities

water

vegetation

phase 2 tRanSfORming

vegetation on the edge of water canal

connecting wetland to the lake

structure

landform

activities

formation of artificial hill

landform armature of extended wetland

transformation of existing buildings

Redirecting bridges

upgrading central waterfront event space

Railway museum

water

vegetation

phase 3 intROducing

Reconnecting existing soft edgewater treatment botanical garden

connecting canal to the Rokkalanjoki river potential

connection to the city storm water system

structure

landform

activities

introducing new functions

pedestrian bridge

waterfront Recreational areas

landmark science centre

Botanical garden

waterfront deck and sauna house

urban beach

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 processMikkeli waterfront could be forever an open space...

Or...A combination of buildings and nature

Or...A densified extension of the city

[to be continued...]

redevelopment of a small waterfront city, mikkeli finland

Documents

waterfront city mikkeli

city centre

centuries mikkeli harbour

mikkeli targets

planned city expansion

city ecological era

industrial activities

development of shipping