How can we reach the density and compactness without loosing the natural character of the location? How can we make the structure friendly enough to pedestrians and cyclist?
How can we give Koivusaari distinct and strong identity? 

URBAN ORGANIZATION - The design draws its inspiration from the structure of the greater helsinki area and its diversity. The form of new landscape is created by “ oating islands” of different size and shape which are hanging on the urban chainlet of the highway. The size of each island gets smaller with increasing distance from the highway. the shape of these islands bears on the functions we want to cover up as well as on the surroundings and overall shape of the urban structure. this structure of “ oating islands” also supports the maritime feeling of the area. 

VOLUMES - Variety of volumes of different size and shape is organised within the structure. The shape of the units is chosen so one can easily orient them according to the sunlight and vistas. The height of the vol- umes is increasing towards the highway. The highest towers create certain kind of landmark for the area. 

FUNCTIONS - The volumes are designed so thay can accomodate variety of functions, which we think is es- sential. Mixing of different functions within the area is crucial so the lifeless zones can be avoided. 

NATURE - The design of the green islands of Koivusaari tends to be nature friendly by putting local car traf c and parking under the ground and stress the pedestrian and bycicle traf c on the ground. That allows a lot of trees and greenery to be planted within the area as well as within the buildings. Some of the building are also designed to host solar pannels with superb orientation towards the sunlight.