Background

The old gas power station in the Suvilahti area no longer produces energy for Helsinki. The area is typically post-industrial and poses both a challenge and offers an opportunity to the city. The purpose is to convert the area into a ‘cultural oasis’ for the eastern part of central Helsinki, a counterpart to the Cable Factory arts complex located in the west of the city. In addition, dwellings for 18,000 people are to be built in the area, which will also host 10,000 new jobs, so Suvilahti will be in the centre of a significant new urban district.

Various NGOs, freelancers and other grass-root organisations have already realised the potential of this area, but there are still no clear ideas on how to develop it.

The games were organised in partnership with DODO and Cable Factory.

Objectives

The aim of the games that took place on January the 7th and 15th was to give potential players interested in the area an opportunity to brainstorm and create ideas for the future of the Suvilahti area. The players formed a very heterogeneous group who worked hard to develop fascinating new scenarios for developing Suvilahti.

Winning idea

DAY 1:

Colosseum of Suvilahti
The team came up with a brilliant idea to transform the old Gas Clock into a Colosseum that would offer many activities. Lawns would be planted outside, while the interior would be customised into a stage for clubs etc. Also, daytime dance events for the elderly could be organised, said Sami Mannerheimo, a member of the group. The Colosseum would be environmentally self-supporting, and every visitor could take part in this effort. For example, a kinetic dance floor that converts the energy of dancers into electricity would make environmental action fun and innovative.

DAY 2:

Hostel and more
The winning idea was a versatile service centre for Suvilahti. The heart of the centre would be a hostel with themed rooms - punk, rock etc. - decorated by artists. Visitors could cover the cost of a room by paying or working, e.g. one could paint, clean or do repairs in order to cover expenses. In addition, there would be a bicycle garage, a garden, a restaurant and a marketplace. The whole location would be bustling with life.

Winning ideas from the other teams

DAY 1:

Youth House for Adults
The team based their idea on the fact that a large number of young adults live nearby, some of whom want to meet in places without alcoholic beverages. The Youth House for Adults would include a variety of workshops offering e.g. media skills and crafts. The surplus materials would be recycled between the different workshops. The versatile space would also include a café, a club and a donation and exchange library. The aim is to use the space almost around the clock. A caretaker would live on the estate and ensure that the block sauna is always warm.

Suvilahti Workshop
This group outlined an idea of a concrete workshop for crafts and creative action. The workshop would be open to all comers and financially supported by a small entrance fee. Experts would work at the same place, or nearby, and share their talent with workshop participants. A café with sofas would create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. A monthly meeting for all Suvilahti residents would be held in the workshop building.
 

DAY 2:

Four other groups had intensive brainstorming sessions and produced some interesting ideas for regenerating Suvilahti.

A surprise cultural ticket is an idea based on the principle of ‘buy a ticket without knowing what you'll get’. The ticket holder would learn what cultural event was happening only a few days before it happened.

Another group came up with the idea of workshops suited to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Cultural Outlet was yet another idea that examined innovative ways of communicating with people and introduced the possibility of using handsets as a means for that. The Outlet, i.e. a cultural production centre, would focus on quality rather than quantity, and sell, lend and exchange tangible and intangible products, such as ideas.

The last group suggested converting the old Gas Clock into a multi-purpose stage for private and public happenings.