Resources

Sun catchers
The physiology of each building is designed in such a way that captures and retains as much sunlight as possible.

Climatic pillow
The façades have an inhabitable depth that works as a climatic regulator, naturally softening the big climatic differences from summer to winter.

The neighborhood maximises the uses of direct natural energy resources, mainly the sun and geothermal heat. The extra energy is provided by solar panels and biomass heating system, using recycled materials as fuel.

Small water treatment plant is built so the water used comes mainly from the local rain. An important research is carried out in order to maximise the recycling of black water, avoiding the use of detergents and other toxic agents.

To promote jobs in the neighborhood and an intense street life, on the ground floors a big diversity of small shops and craftsmen ateliers are promoted, which have their homes on the first floor. Some spaces have diverse users throughout the day. Greenhouses are built on first floors and rooftops, to promote locally resourced food and social interaction.

To dwell

From the block to the common space
Introduction of the maximum common space, in order to help create a sense of community. Squares and streets will not be public, but communal, so all neighbors share rights and responsibilities with their habitat.

Gathering places
Two main squares are created on both ends of the neighborhood. They work as activity attractors. The square by the existing factory has an urban scale, so it becomes a new alternative center for Jyväskylä.

Between street, veranda and patio
An active, lively inner street orders the disposition of the blocks, in order to get the maximum diversity of spatial density, quality and scales, with yards and porches adapted to the winter and summer extremes. A path that surrounds the whole neighborhood is introduced amongst the newly densified forest.

Technique

Urban Research Centre
Renewal of the existing electrical generation building, which will become a center of urban research, in collaboration with Finnish and international universities. The first phase will be a pilot test that will be evolved and improved in the next phases, with the participation of its current and future inhabitants.

The prefabricated infrastructure contains the basic needs of a house. Developed in collaboration with Finnish timber industry. Each dweller, either individually or as part of the neighborhood cooperative, can complete and modify its house according to a catalogue of possible variations.