E18 TURKU WINNER

Louise Audurier (FR), urban planner
Yevheniia Likhachova (UA), architect urbanist
Philipp Steinbacher (DE), landscape architect
Oksana Chebina (UA), architect
Johan Rey (CO), architect

Collaborators
Melissa Soh (AU), landscape architect
Prakhar Rawal (IN), environmentalist
Nithish Kini Ullal (IN), building engineer

Evaluation

Landscape as a city – City as an island presents an interesting reading of the urban development and the natural landscapes and biotopes of Turku. It juxtaposes the rigid historic grid of the city with the morphology of the famous Turku Archipelago.

From the meeting of these two, the proposal takes a starting point for a concept which inverts the relationship of the urban and the natural. The result is an inventive urban structure where built islands meet the natural landscape which acts as a connector. The proposal has succeeded in creating a rich and unique world of its own. New buildings are concentrated in two main areas: at the old industrial site in the west and in two clusters near Vähäheikkiläntie and Porkanpuisto. Housing typologies vary from townhouses to point blocks and lamellas. Other programmes are introduced to re-purposed office buildings and new buildings located in the more urban and mixed-use area in the west. In general, the proposed buildings’ dimensioning and especially their width seem somewhat under-dimensioned. Landscape as a city – City as an island leaves much of the competition site unbuilt compared to other proposals.

As a whole, the solution is indeed like an archipelago in itself, floating freely. Nature is the uniting element in the entire Vähäheikkilä area, and an open Varsoja stream becomes a green core for the neighbourhood. Landscape architecture is flowy and offers several ways for experiencing the water and the surrounding greenery. There could be more detailing and variation in the layouts. The stormwater concepts are promising, even though some of the basins and open streams can be refined to be placed better according to the area elevations.

Landscape as a city – City as an island has a strong take on re-sourcing concepts, which are well presented. The two housing clusters are proposed on re-sourced soil hills, which enable an underground parking solution. However, the parking is unrealistic considering the soil conditions in the area. There are also ideas on the adaptive use of existing foundations, the use of renewable and recycled materials in the new construction and an emphasis on energy efficiency in the buildings. Together, these strategies provide a credible foundation for developing an ambitious and sustainable profile for the area.

The old industrial area is a rich mixture of hybrid blocks and well proportioned public spaces. With the creative courtyards, the area could be an interesting site for pedestrians, with new services and versatile new architecture around every corner. The competitors have not seen much potential in the existing buildings on the site, but they could be integrated in the overall design. The pedestrian route is clear and connects the area well together, however biking routes are not shown in the plans.

The architectural identity of the proposal is communicated effectively through its axonometric drawings. The overall presentation is skillful, and the building masses and forms are pleasant, demonstrating clear potential for further refinement. The proposal possesses a distinctive character and offers a promising foundation for continued development.

Description

Landscape as City, City as an Island: Our design proposes a radical shift: nature becomes the framework for urban growth. The Varsoja stream is restored as a central corridor, combining flood control, ecology, and vibrant public spaces. Architectural archipelagos are embedded within the landscape, drawing on Turku’s unique rocky landscape formations. The approach leverages Turku’s diverse ecosystems – rocky outcrops, boreal forests, meadows, and wetlands – to create a resilient, green urban center that fosters community and adapts to climate challenges. By reopening and celebrating the stream, the project transforms fragmentation into opportunity, promoting social interaction, flood resilience, and a deep connection between urban life and natural systems.

Panel 1     Panel 2     Panel 3     Description