Landscape as a city – city as an island
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.