Suburban street to be redefined by means of design

 

The project is part of the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 effort to expand the scope of the Design Year outside the city centre and to places traditionally not associated with design.

 

The street is Laivalahdenkatu-Mekaanikonkatu, which cuts through a large industrial and retail district in the suburb east of the Herttoniemi metro station. The organizers of the competition look for concepts that bring out the aesthetic qualities of the street environment and emphasize the identity of the area, in addition to improving pleasantness and safety. The competition aims at heightened visibility for this district, which is home to an important concentration of jobs.

 

“The Herttoniemi business district is highly valued by eastern Helsinki entrepreneurs. Why shouldn’t it also be visually valuable?” wonders architect Dan Mollgren of the Helsinki City Planning Department, a member of the competion’s organizing team. “The main street of the district could better serve as a business card of the whole suburb. Streets touch everybody, so we should pay attention to their design and impact.”

 

The ideas competition is open to all teams of no less than three members irrespective of nationality. The deadline for proposals is November 12, 2010.

 

The best three proposals will be awarded. First prize is 10,000 euros, second 5,000 euros and third 3,000 euros. In addition, two proposals will be purchased for 500 euros.

 

Competition proposals will be displayed at Helsinki City Planning Department’s Laituri gallery in January 2011.