What started as a masterplanning exercise around ten years ago, has transformed into a full-fledged project. The Tampere Central Arena masterplan dictates five aesthetically connected towers with a large spiraling arena. The arena will be the host to many world championships and interesting concert performers and many other events. The flexible venue is set to be developed alongside with an extremely iconic and high-profile hotel with rooftop amenities. The hotel sits above the arena in the tallest vortex and will look out onto old Tampere.
The towers each align to create a swooping motion across the site. The full project sits atop Tampere Central Station and because of this, seems to float above the city as you enter underneath it by car or train. The deck introduces many issues and complications for any type of construction on or around, so this project being so iconic and interesting, makes use as best as possible the site constraints. The project is set in two stages, with the arena, building 1, and building 2 being the first to be planned, and buildings 3,4, and 5 being the final pieces. The concept is that of a medieval piazza on either side of the street, opening up slightly to allow for entry but then shielding and hiding away visitors on the inside
The process of design has been an ongoing process that will continue to develop over the next few years but the project’s identity remains intact. At both ends, the project is anchored by highly identifiable objects. The arena as a twisting vortex, which can be seen as trains are approaching the station, and tower 5 which can be seen throughout the city, both solidify the identity of the city of Tampere.
Creating such a place calls into question the modern city and our stance on where it stands, and where it should go. This project creates a stance of iconicity, connectivity, and a bold take on intimacy. The creation of smaller pockets of space around the tightly spaced deck helps to optimize space for architecture by pushing it to the periphery. Creating more of a porous wall at the edges and carved out space within. The deck itself becomes a key part to the dialogue of each building because of it’s large limitations and constraints along with it’s bold lifting movement.
The building’s each of a unique identity within the larger whole, but still remain cohesive. The major moves of each roof facing different directions, and larger cuts on the facade falling from each building, create the movement and connectivity. Tower 5 stands out as its own object, but still fits within the plan as its material palette and major moves remain in a similar vein. Programmatically, the project is packed to the brim with leasable space. Each building contains residential with the addition of casino, retail, office, and public amenities.