Ci.Re.Vi Circular Regeneration Viikki

Ci.Re.Vi Circular Regeneration Viikki stems from the Saint Gobain competition, which imposed functional and design constraints that turned into complex challenges. Each building required a specific intervention: integration into the new masterplan, office-to-student housing conversion, restoration for sports use, and a new residential building. The site was further challenged by a dividing road, disrupting connections. Additionally, Finland’s limited daylight, harsh climate, and 2035 carbon neutrality goal shaped our project toward innovative and sustainable solutions.

The project begins with the design challenge of the Saint Gobain competition, aiming to create a new residential and sports center in Viikki Farm, a district near Helsinki. The site has strengths, such as a pedestrian and cycling path surrounding the lot and a historical museum that serves as a central landmark. However, several challenges emerge. The site's current configuration isolates it from the University Campus, and the lack of a clear access hierarchy results in multiple indistinct entry points. The primary access, linking the museum to its surroundings, further divides the site into two disconnected zones. To address these issues, the masterplan was developed around the circular geometry of existing structures, creating physical and visual connections between buildings. New volumes align with this central circle, projecting inward while maintaining openness to the surroundings. This approach introduces a structured access hierarchy, with two main axes leading to an organic open space that integrates both private and public areas. Environmental factors, including light, climate, and carbon neutrality, played a crucial role. The orientation and facade transparency of the new residential towers were optimized using a parametric model to analyze annual solar radiation and determine the best angle for maximum exposure. To tackle the harsh climate, we explored rapid construction techniques, comparing prefabricated solutions. By analyzing costs, on-site resources, and timelines, modular construction emerged as the most effective approach. Finally, to achieve climate neutrality, we conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a prefabricated frame module, optimizing materials and integrating reforestation efforts to offset carbon emissions.