Trigoni, Helsinki High-Rise

Aims (mixed use and DMA)

The scheme, named Trigoni as a reference to the triangular plan of the towers, is based on the simple starting point of creating a new city centre area around amazingly good connections, based on the principles of sustainable development. The area presents itself as a compact hub of interlocking functions with a selection of services that is alive around the clock. The objective of Trigoni is to form a genuine DMA (Density, Mix and Access) focussed block in Pasila.

Masterplan/phasing

Construction of the project will be phases, beginning with the ‘starting block’, the first tower of 180 metres and 51 floors, and a second at 130 metres and 40 floors. These will be connected by a podium of restaurants, rooftop gardens and shopping opportunities. Later phased development of the scheme will bring more mid- to high-rise buildings, towers and public space. Up to ten buildings will be situated around the perimeter of the old rail yard, that itself will be turned into park and sports pitches, and the old rail roundhouse is proposed to be renovated into a vibrant cultural centre. The starting area will have an area of 67,000m2 out of a total of 150-200,000m2 of total area of the site.

Functions

Trigoni will join the under-construction Tripla development as part of a movement to turn Pasila into a booming cultural, commercial and business-centric district of Helsinki; based around what would become Finland’s busiest transport hub. LM and YIT’s new development will house a whole range of different services including homes, shopping, restaurants, offices, hotel and conference facilities; a mix that will see Trigoni being used all around the clock.

Covered and underground routes connect the entire district without even needing to step outside – a welcome respite to the harsh Finnish winter. Visitors or residents can arrive at the train station and walk through Tripla and Trigoni straight to their front door.

Smart systems

A huge emphasis of the scheme has been keep a human focus, with a high priority put on comfort, safety and ease of living. To achieve this, in part, smart systems will be integrated into all levels of the scheme. Commercial and transport operators, offices, residents and guests alike are all linked into the same digital platform that will mean complete, seamless access to all the services.

For residents this means that all of the districts’ services are available at the touch of a button. Through their interface the digital platform can be used for booking a sauna, laundry room or cleaning services – or even to order things from the shops or just find out what’s available. The integrated system also means that the typical hotel services are available to both the guests and the tower block residents alike. The progressive housing concept in Trigoni offers the residents convenience that is usually available in a five-star hotel.

Community space

However, people need human encounters to balance out the hectic and demanding daily life in the city. The development needs to offer joy and experiences to users and visitors; public services and stunning views. The concept of the public space is extended throughout the towers, all the way to the top. Several stunning common rooms are placed throughout the towers, including one on the 49^th floor. The outdoor areas are divided into three parts: Tower Square joining the two towers, Park Square and Roof Yards throughout the scheme. The entire southern side of the design area will be developed into a significant recreational and cultural area for all the residents of Pasila.

The sweeping angular shelters of the podium, in places, double up as these Roof Yards – shielded, quiet gardens above the main public space. More however are located on the tops of the towers. These high-rising yards are secured by walls, but they still offer magnificent views through windows.

Triangles, facades and fitting in

Trigoni aims to enrich the cityscape of Helsinki and life at the street level; creating uniqueness through elegance and reduction. The clear, triangular, geometric shape of a single tower offers the possibility to create a compact tower group. Simplicity, repetition and nuances—these are the cityscape-based starting points of Trigoni.

When combined with efficient interior layouts, a triangular floor plan can offer significant benefits to a cluster of high-rise towers when oriented with purpose: angling each individually means that views can more easily be directed past one another, more sunlight can be let through to each tower and also the ground. Aesthetically they also look uniquely beautiful, giving a strong identity to Pasila.

Obstacles with floor plan layouts have been efficiently overcome. Instead of being a problem, the corners have opened up the chance to create breathtaking panoramas in people’s homes, hotel rooms and offices; an intimate openness not offered by any other building in the world.

From the outside Trigoni applies a restrained Scandinavian idiom that fits into the Finnish cityscape. Each façade creates a slightly different identity, with two variations of façade tailored depending on the view that it will create with its backdrop. Denser or lighter spaced rasters, clad in natural stone, fibrous concrete or ceramic tiles, adjust the hues of the towers or highlight their individual characteristics. The end result will be a unified group of similar sculpture-like buildings where each one has its own, unique characteristics. The parts that are shielded from the weather, such as entrance roofs and indents, will include warm-toned wood.

Podium and Pavilion

The podium joining the two starting towers will be the main public centre of the scheme, creating a sheltered space between the towers that harks back to the market places, squares and streets of a traditional city. Market and service functions, restaurants, and cafes are located in a cosy urban setting. The spaces open towards the streets and the courtyard, forming a lively pedestrian centre for the block.

A sculptural pavilion of approximately 250m2 in the middle of the square leads to the levels below the yard level, and onward to the Mall of Tripla shopping centre. The pavilion also includes utility spaces: commercial, restaurant and public spaces. There is space that can be used as a public service area, exhibition space and gallery or, for example, as a cafe on the second floor. The pavilion will be a jewel between the towers, formed of an elegant wood or steel structure and neatly clad in opalescent glass.

Lahdelma & Mahlamäki architects and YIT Construction

Images by Brick Visual

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