Tikkurila Riverfront Park forms an outdoor living room and a green counterpart for the urban Tikkurila centre – the major district of Vantaa with one of the busiest railway stations in Finland. The park is located by the Keravanjoki River in the centre of Tikkurila in Vantaa. The Tikkurila Riverfront Park has been built in phases: the latest parts Vernissaranta, Väritehtaanranta and Vernissasilta are on the east side of the area. The new landscape architecture combines the diverse nature and industrial history and creates an oasis for people in the middle of a densifying city.
The plan aimed to guarantee the wellbeing of all species in the area. Tikkurila rapids were restored to their natural state: The dam was removed to enable the natural migration of trout. The river now flows freely and as the water level lowered, a space freed up for a new park along the river. The large trees with great ecological value were preserved and various meadows, perennials that thrive in the river environment were planted on the riverbank. The built rocky areas along the banks were left free to develop to create a natural riverside environment.
The dismantled dam and the flowing river are the centrepiece of the park. The new features integrate subtly into the landscape, considering erosion and flooding of the river. Sitting steps and decks provide access to the watershed, and stones from the dam were reused as steppingstones and benches. New viewing and seating areas were installed at the ends of the dam. The new park has been adapted to this cultural and historical context, bringing people close to the water to enjoy the flowing river and its natural surroundings. The flooding of the river has been successfully embraced in the design. The park has already experienced flooding, which put the design to the test. All parts of the park are meant to be experienced in every season and weather.
Tikkurila Riverfront Parks have succeeded in creating a coherent park complex where every individual part has their own character, functions, and charm. The new park area has important recreational value. The design of the riverfront comes from a strong and innovative concept combining ecological values, high quality environmental construction and modern technical solutions. Industrial history and nature are strongly visible in the park.
Vernissaranta, Väritehtaanranta and Vernissa bridge received the Environmental Structure of the Year 2022 recognition. This important recognition in Finland considers design, implementation, and maintenance in landscape projects. The jury consists of representatives from different parties involved in landscape industries in Finland including the Finnish Association of Architects, Ministry of the Environment, Finnish Association of Landscape Architects and Finnish Association of Landscape Industries.
The new park way starts from the iconic Vernissa factory building (in Finnish: vernissa = linseed oil) that works now as a cultural centre. The route continues as a bridge over the old dam structures and continues to the old chimney. The remains of the dam have been restored and illuminated as a new landmark. The new structures and restored elements connect the historical site together.
Väritehtaanranta park, opposite Vernissaranta, is more natural in character. New structures are subtly placed in the landscape and the existing trees preserved. The area around the landscape pond was refurbished with new seating area. The water quality in the pond is improved by a sand-bio coal filter which holds and cleanses the water at the end of the pipe. The pipe and the filter system are hidden underneath a viewing deck.
Vernissa pedestrian bridge is a new landmark located adjacent to the railway linking the park areas together. The sculptural corten steel railings and the umbra patina treated concrete surface are illuminated at the night. In the future the parkway continues under the pedestrian bridge and the railway bridge to the western side of the Tikkurila Waterfront Park.
Other collaborators: In collaboration with: Lighting Design Collective Ltd (lighting design), Pontek Ltd (bridge engineering), Vahanen Ltd (structural engineering), Sipti Infra Ltd (geo and stormwater engineering), Ramboll Finland Ltd (dam removal), Licon-At Ltd (electrical engineering)
Location: Tikkurilantie 36–42, Vantaa, Finland
Design year: 2017-2021
Year Completed: 2021
Photo: Pyry Kantonen Photography
