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Make It Compact
Supplementary construction is one of the methods for creating compact city structures. Especially in Helsinki there are areas which would benefit from a more comprehensive approach in supplementary development. With this in mind, consultant agency WSP set out to create“ the total package” for supplementary construction.
A rchitect Teemu Jama, Unit Manager
for Urban Architecture at WSP, says that a more holistic approach is attractive especially from the perspective of the property owners:
“ We’ re able to deliver all the services under one concept, making it easier for the housing companies, for instance.”
In Vallila, Jama observes that the existing, strict separation of residential and business premises is rather outdated – and a more mixed-use approach would be more beneficial for modern, urban development.
“ Zoning practices could use a dose of courage, and trying out new things should be encouraged,” Jama says, adding that the City officials seem to share, for the most part, these concerns, but that legislation can hinder new, creative solutions in zoning.
The need for supplementary construction is great and growing outside Helsinki, too. Jama points out that around the country there’ s countless apartment buildings raised in the 1960’ and 70’ s, with big plots and generous ground level parking.
“ From the perspective of supplementary construction, it is clear that there is big potential there, just looking at the size of the plots,” he says, pointing out that in many cases, new buildings can be constructed on top of existing properties, too.
Mika Matikka, WSP’ s Business Area
Director, Renovation, is equally convinced of the potential inherent in supplementary construction.“ In solidifying city structures, it makes sense to utilise the existing infrastructure. There are plenty of urban areas which could use some retooling,” he says.
Looking at Vallila, Matikka observes that there are a lot of old industrial properties which are not utilised very effectively right now. The message Matikka wants to communicate to the property owners is simple: there is definite value even in aging real estate, you just have to find the best way to access that value.
“ We see collaboration to be the best method to succeed in this.” l
New name, new venue: The Annual Convention of Property Investment Prospects is now
RE Finland 2017
9 th – 10 th November
Join the Finnish Real Estate Summit in the vibrant city of Tampere and find yourself in the middle of the Finnish Real Estate Business.
Kuva: Tampere-talo
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Registration fee 1 350 € + VAT Early bird discount-25 % until 9 th June.
Nordicum 37