Härmälänranta

Beside the water, a couple of kilometres south west of central Tampere, Skanska Kodit is engaged in the development of the new environmentally profiled district of Härmälänranta – a natural step in the city’s climate programme, the aim of which is to achieve carbon-dioxide neutrality. In addition to 1,500 residences, the area will be home to a mix of commercial and public services, workplaces, public parks and squares, a beach and piers combined with developments of cultural-historical significance.

A clear identity

We envisage Härmälänranta as a vibrant urban district with a clear identity. The area is situated in a historically significant part of Tampere, and integrating existing developments of cultural-historical importance with the new, urban environment is paramount. Our proposed new development encompasses several different functions, sites and housing, combining a variety of volumes, topologies and styles. In the centre of the area, we are proposing an activity link, that is, a central thoroughfare incorporating various public functions that links Härmälänranta to the surrounding districts. Moreover, the beaches are made accessible through promenades, piers and visiting places as well as restaurants and retail outlets.

We sought to discuss quality ahead of quantity.

Effective processes and flexibility

Our urban development mandate has been stimulating and far reaching. In addition to performing analysis and conceptual work, we have devised a master plan that includes the configuration principles that form the basis of a new zoning plan. We also drew up a design concept for the first four districts, based on the master plan, and carried out a special study of the proposal’s tall buildings.

Within the scope of our master plan, we have also devised a model for surface water management in the area and carried out a sociotope study of the area’s public spaces.

Early in the project, we partnered with Skanska Kodit to present our vision for Härmälänranta to the Municipality of Tampere. Recognizing the area’s potential, we saw fantastic opportunities for development. Moreover, we prioritized quality over quantity from the start. We created a platform to preserve the fundamental qualities of a long-term development. By pursuing a shared and ambitious goal for Härmälänranta, we significantly shortened the planning process. This approach also resulted in a zoning plan with greater flexibility than usual.

It is necessary to have insight into the wide range of perspectives within the project. Not only the client or developer’s, but the users’, that is, those living and working in the new area.

Insight into the complexity of urban development

Taking on an urban development project requires a deep understanding of conditions, challenges and opportunities. It is necessary to have insight into the wide range of perspectives within the project – not only the client or developer’s, but the users’, that is, those living and working in the new area.

Urban development projects come with the challenge of creating a vibrant, mixed-use city within a relatively short timeframe. To address this, we have defined guidelines for each stage of the project. These so-called design codes ensure quality, flexibility, and long-term sustainability. With great care, we have successfully driven this process forward. Rather than controlling every design detail, we have focused on defining the necessary functions and qualities. This approach ensures that the urban environment aligns with the shared vision for Härmälänranta.