Ranta-Tampella is a new residential neighbourhood located north of Tampere centre on the shoreside of Lake Näsijärvi. Through the area runs a water canal that connects Lake Näsijärvi to the historically significant Tammerkoski channel and rapids. The banks of the Tammerkoski channel are one of the oldest industrial areas in Finland. Ranta-Tampella’s planning for residential and public uses was abled as the former highway was replaced with a tunnel.  Ranta-Tampella connects the urban areas of the city with the lake and nature.

The comprehensive project started as a competition win in the year 2014. Since then, Maanlumo has designed the general plan and the landscape architectural vision for the whole area. After that, work has continued with construction planning on several parallel projects.

The concept of the public spaces is based on the intertwining of the new urban environment and the natural environment of Lake Näsijärvi and Tammerkoski rapids. A small cape Nyrkkäkallio beside Tammerkoski houses the only existing natural vegetation of the area since most of the shoreline was created on a landfill area. Moving along the shoreline from Nyrkkäkallio towards Kiiskisaarenpuisto Park, the park changes slowly from natural to more urban. The vegetation is designed with natural and dynamic aspects and a lot of recycled materials are used for example in the stone walls, pavements and shoreline construction.

The unique design of bridges and canals are a seamless part of the landscape architecture. The shapes of the bridges, shorelines and canal banks imitate the movement of the lake Näsijärvi waves; the biggest waves crash to the mouth of the canal shaping the sides more broadly and the movement slows down moving towards centre of the canal where the shapes of the canal walls are more subtle. The unique character of the canal is created by concrete walls with reliefs inspired by movement of water. Sculpturally designed concrete platforms bend over the water. The visual appearance of the canal changes by the time of the day and seasons. The moulds used for the canal concrete elements are recycled as a climbing wall.

Kiiskisaarenpuisto Park consists of three different parts: The longitudinal waterfront park and the two small parks between the residential buildings. The shoreline park has two parallel routes. One is the fast bicycle and pedestrian connection. The other one is for peaceful walking, including several resting places like wooden decks where one can enjoy the views of Näsijärvi.

The topography of the pocket parks is sloping toward the lake and the set-up offers a panorama toward the shoreline park. The pocket parks are located partly on the roofs of the parking garages. The design is fading out the structures of the underground parking and the height differences is utilized in a playground and in an outdoor auditorium. The park spaces are inspired by the waves and winds of Lake Näsijärvi. Moving from the lake towards the residential buildings, the vegetation and materials change from natural to more gardenlike.

The Gustaf Asp Square opens towards the lake, being also the end of the long straight canal axis. The Ranta-Tampella bridge and the square form a solid sculpture where the square opens like a wing to the water. The large granite stairs descend to the canal creating sitting areas and a visual connection between the square, bridge, canal and lake. The stairs also let the visitors get closer to the water level. The vegetation emphasizes the dynamic spatial concept.

Data

Landscape architecture: Maanlumo

Architecture and construction design of the bridges and channel structures: Engineering office Pontek Ltd

Construction planning: Aihio Architects Ltd (Gustaf Asp Square’s stairs and walls), Engineering office Suunnittelukide Ltd (shoreside wooden docks)

Lighting Design: Lighting Design Collective Ltd (general plan), Ramboll Finland Ltd (construction design)

Infrastructure: City of Tampere

Project Location: Finland / Tampere / Ranta-Tampella

Design year: 2014-2020

Year Built: Kiiskisaarenpuisto 1st phase 2019, Kiiskisaarenpuisto 2nd phase 2020-21, Kiiskisaarenpuisto 3rd phase estimated 2021, Ranta-Tampella Canal and docks 2020, Gustaf Asp Square under construction 2020, Massunlastenpuisto Park under construction, estimated 2021

Client: Urban Environment and Infrastructure Services, City of Tampere

Area: 10 hectares