Toppilansaari | Park of the Young Sailor (in Finnish)
Oulu, situated near the northern reaches of the Baltic Sea, merely a hundred miles south of the Arctic Circle, defies expectations of a quiet outpost. Instead, it stands as the Finnish city experiencing the most robust economic growth, resulting in a substantial demand for appealing and affordable housing. At the heart of this vibrant city, Toppilansaari, a half island located between the canalized entrance of Oulu's harbor and the expansive open sea, was chosen as the site for the Finnish Housing Expo in 2005. The housing layout here serves as a sustainable pilot project, with a central green park forming the nucleus for the thoughtfully spaced-out residential elements.
Atelier Dreiseitl
Park Design, Water Sensitive Urban Design, Art, Nature Conservation
This project was originally produced by Atelier Dreiseitl under the leadership of Herbert Dreiseitl. Since its merger in the year 2013 with the Ramboll Group A/S this project and the copyright is owned by Ramboll.
Location
Oulu, Finland
Client
City of Oulu
Timeline
Design: 2003 - 2004
Construction: 2004 - 2005
Site Area
75 ha / 185 acres
Status
Completed
The sustainable design concept is structured around achieving three key objectives: Economic, Ecological, and Analytical. These goals underscore the project's commitment to not only economic viability but also ecological sensitivity and a rigorous analytical approach.
As part of this vision, the project proposes the incorporation of a green park that traverses the central axis of the housing elements. Atelier Dreiseitl's team envisions this new open space as a multifaceted area, providing informal recreational spaces that play a crucial role in mitigating the impact on the delicate wetland ecosystem. This thoughtful integration of greenery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also aligns with the project's ecological objectives, fostering a harmonious coexistence between urban development and the surrounding natural environment.
The park provides convenient and informal recreation and activity areas which help reduce recreational impact on the sensitive wetland habitat. It is also a stormwater system, where rainwater and spring snowmelt are collected, cleaned and slowly released to the wetland.
'Toppilansaari' translates to 'Park of the Young Sailor' in Finnish. This name not only encapsulates the essence of the location but also defines the purpose of two land memorial art installations that bookend the park at its southern and northern ends. In the northern garden, a luminous 'vortex' stands as a distinctive orientation landmark, visible akin to a lighthouse from a considerable distance.
Within the southern garden, there stands a symbolic sunken boat, serving as a memorial to the young sailors who never made their return to land. Abstract fragments of a submerged ship form a spatial sculpture within the park. These installations, crafted by Herbert Dreiseitl, were meticulously constructed on-site by local contractors.
The primary structural components of the vortex encompass recycled steel, complemented by a wind-powered rotating light. These sculptures maintain their allure even during the winter months when they are adorned with a captivating layer of ice, forming whimsical crystal patterns.
Celebrating the Past and the Present
Adopts the ethos of stormwater management, fostering a harmonious, untouched environment that seamlessly coexists with the constructed housing units.
