Salppuri Spirit of Olympia in Lahti
E18 TURKU RUNNER-UP
Erkko Aarti (FI), architect
Mikki Ristola (FI), architect
Collaborators
Niina Laukia (FI), architect
Lauri Kärpänoja (FI), architect
Evaluation
Salppuri Spirit of Olympia in Lahti is a carefully investigated proposal, with well balanced solutions for the entire competition site. The proposal develops a clear architectural language with wood as the main material for the new buildings. The aim is to create coherence and a recognisable identity in the area and simultaneously promote Lahti as a pioneer in wood construction. A good understanding of scale is demonstrated throughout, with both large-scale new facilities, smaller scale infills and re-use of existing structures included in the chosen interventions. Several ambitious sustainability concepts are also proposed, and the proposal is responding to the competition task in many levels.
The Central area between the Suurhalli and the Stadium is proposed as a new plaza, with space allocated for events surrounded by differentiated zones for both lingering, play and versatile vegetation. A diagonal route leads pedestrians to the entrance area of the new Multipurpose arena. The scale of the public space is loose, on many levels.
The arena is located on the large parking lot, in direct proximity to the Suurhalli. The sports complex is tied together with an arcade and a green roof surrounding all of the extensive building volumes. The aim is to create a more open and higher quality facade towards the streets and public spaces. While the concept has clear potential to achieve this, its further development will require careful attention to detailing and scale at street level. Overall, the solutions for the key areas depend heavily on the realisation and placement of the Multipurpose Arena in its proposed location. Any delay in its development would risk stagnating progress across the entire area.
The main axis towards lake Vesijärvi is closed for car traffic, and small activity areas are imagined along the route, forming a linear park. The quarters on the Svinhufvudinkatu side are densified with two new hostel buildings and an educational facility. The chosen programs are well in tune with the locations and support the profile of the area. Teivaanmäki power plant is transformed into a centre with a hotel and a spa, and the large pool facilities and water sports placed in a new building mass. This idea is not feasible as such, but the organisation and hierarchy of the proposed programs create an interesting future vision for the power plant.
At the entrance area to the site, a hybrid parking building caters also for media use and a grocery store. In the more feasible Scenario B, the site has been identified as a possible location for the water sports centre.
Salppuri Spirit of Olympia in Lahti approaches the large-scale complexity of the competition task by creating simple and recognisable architectural forms as a response. This strategy succeeds in densifying the area in a clear and structured manner, with well-placed functions enabling new everyday use as well as flexible event use.
Description
The plan brings together sports, events, daily activities, diverse nature, unique topography, built sustainably and inspired by the spirit of the ancient Olympic Games. Central Plaza forms the event area and a recreational park enriched with greenery. A new multipurpose arena with a façade of ski-like wooden pillars is situated next to Suurhalli. The Water Sports Centre, spa and a new hotel are located at the Teivaanmäki power plant. The ski jump stands are transformed into an amphitheatre, with a wooden bridge structure enabling free movement between the area’s functions. The Salpausselkä Geopark Centre is proposed next to the Ski Museum. In place of Isku Arena, an experimental self-sustaining housing concept is proposed. A wooden hybrid parking facility is built at the entrance.