The City of Two Islands: A re-discovery of the essential characteristics to Varkaus, Finland

Abstract

Published submission for an international competition seeking for innovative ideas for the improvement of the cultural and public urban space to Varkaus Finland.
The City of Two Islands, is conceived as two Islands made up of the Historic core and the Natural Habitat island of Kämäri, one positive one negative. One Urban, one Natural. The one counteracts the other.

To address the broken urban fabric of Varkaus in general and the necessary urban future of a population target of 30,000 the concept utilizes 7 important factors as design drivers, that are required for healing the broken connections and reinforcing the islands unique identities.

These 7 Factors are organized as a series of thematic gateways into & towards the historic core.

Starting from the perspective of the individual and increasing in scope to the family, group and society at large, the concept is seen as an organizing principle that will maintain the islands identity, establish it as a new urban park that will counter balance the urban settlements around it. These seven key ‘threads, that are stitched together to form the concept are the essential ingredients to a successful masterplan and are listed below;
Food and Agriculture
Water and Purification
Air and Pollution
Sound and Activity
Light and Art
Ideas and Knowledge
Environmental Resonance

a place for the people of the north to be set within the new landscape of a changing climate.

Awarded Honorary Mention 2009