Hauska tavata!
E18 LAHTI SPECIAL MENTION:
André Backlund (FI), architect
Andrea Verni (CY), architect urbanist
Evaluation
Hauska Tavata lays out a thoroughly investigated and clear strategy for renewing the competition area, focusing on restructuring the hierarchy of the site and strengthening the axis towards lake Vesijärvi. The proposal is unafraid of making large scale interventions and the main emphasis is on the strategic level of spatial organisation. A key feature in the proposal is closing the site for car traffic, with both structural and surface parking at the edges of the area to enable this, and imagining new pedestrian flows as a result. The description text is one of the most convincing ones in the competition, excellently arguing for the proposed actions and approaches, backed up by an insightful reading of the current status in Lahti and an understanding of the future direction and possibilities. Phasing of the proposal is plausibly described.
The main intervention is locating a new Multipurpose arena in the Central area between the Suurhalli and the Stadium. The new building mass comprises the vast existing in-between space into an efficient public space for mingling between events. This entirely reforms the energy and flow of the Sports Centre, and also sets a clear direction towards Salpausselkä, the Ski jump pit and the skiing bridge between the buildings. The Multipurpose arena, the Suurhalli and a new Water sports arena are brought together into a large indoor sports complex, with a connecting volume joining them from outside. This creates a new facade for the existing buildings towards Teivaankatu and allows for a new layer of potentially higher architectural quality to be added. However, there are technical challenges in the feasibility of the proposal, particularly considering the location of the Water sports arena, but the main idea is flexible for adjustments in scale and programs. The surroundings of the new main complex are proposed as areas for new planted forests. Adding forest areas would strengthen the green networks in the built areas. There are many quite large scale open public spaces and their function in for example event use is left unclear.
Teivaankatu is densified by extending the existing buildings on the eastern side towards the street. The narrowing down of the streetscape may create the intended new economic activity and a more intense experience for pedestrians, but the feasibility of the solution is doubtful at best from the point of view of construction and the impacts to the existing buildings. The proposed new Wellness centre use of the Teivaanmäki power plant is well in tune with overall programmatic concepts for the area, and has capacity to create the intended synergies.
The new Media centre and hotel are well placed in the overall plan, and flexible use of the spaces have been thought about. They create potential for high quality architecture and an inviting entrance to the area, although this is not indicated visually in the proposal. In general, the proposal would have been stronger if convincing detailing or architectural identity could have been shown. The schematic illustrations of the main spatial ideas leave much room for imagination.
Description
“Hauska tavata!” is a bold reimagining of the Lahti Sports Centre as a sustainable and inclusive fusion of forest and city. The site, now pedestrian-focused, transforms former car-dominated infrastructure into vibrant green and social spaces. No longer a place to simply pass through, but to dwell in. Sports facilities are thoughtfully consolidated around Suurhalli, creating a unified hub that supports diverse events and fosters interaction. A rich network of new amenities—from pavilions to a wellness center—activates the area throughout the year. Wellness, cultural, and hospitality elements further enrich the program, encouraging intergenerational connection. Tapping into underutilized potential, the project offers a socially and ecologically sustainable vision for a flourishing future.
This is one of the only three (?) plans that refreshingly acknowledge the potential of using the existing railway right-of-way and infrastructure for it’s original transportation purpose, and not just as a space for gadgetbahns or pedestrian access. Thumbs up for that!