Helsinki
Seafarers´ Centre /
Helsingin merimieskeskus
Client: Finnish Seamens´ Mission
Project type: Public building
Year: 2006..2009
When The
plot for the projected Helsinki Seafarers´ Centre is situated
by the main entrance to the Vuosaari harbour, on the northern corner of
the area. In practice the building location is the only point in the
whole harbour area that contains any natural forms and elements. As the
only public building in the area, its role is to serve as a place of
respite; a small multipurpose building for the seamen that arrive at
the harbour form afar. The starting point in a David and Goliath
juxtaposition has required a carefully considered architectural
strategy. The infinitely small volume of the Seafarers’
Centre was in danger of being completely dominated by the crushing
hectare-sized steel warehouses, and the artificial landscape of tarmac
fields and container seas. As a counter-point, a soft organic form
language was chosen for the building, as well as a wood construction.
The architecture of the building could be described as contextual in
the wide sense of the word: the preserved hillock, with its trees and
rocks, is an essential part of the architecture of the building. The
objective in the design of the building has been to create a unique
identity, because in the best case scenario the distant traveller can
take home a positive memory of something tantalizingly strange yet
hospitable. The completely wooden structure and its compact shape are a
homage to the building tradition based on the purposefulness of wooden
ships and the aesthetics that spring form it, as well as a comment on
the ecological challenges of the present. The premises offer both
physical and spiritual nourishment: the spiritual word and composure,
coffee, a laundry and computers. Particularly important are the cosy
atmosphere and the simultaneous experience of familiarity and newness.
The commissioners behind the project are the Finnish Seamen’s
Mission and the Finnish Seamen’s Service, both of which have
long traditions and an international history of supporting seafarers.
The building has been consecrated as a church. The denominational
aspect is brought out in a sensitive way, respectful of the religion
and cultural background of each visitor. |
|
|