Spring is coming to Lapinlahti

In the spring of 2019, The City of Helsinki organized an open two-stage idea competition to determine the new use and ownership base for the historic hospital area of Lapinlahti. Now, a year later, the idea competition has been resolved. The winning proposal “Lapinlahti Spring” envisions Lapinniemi as a sustainable oasis open to all and a meeting place for different groups. The historic hospital environment will be opened up to culture, as workspaces for actors promoting mental health and well-being, and for travellers. The main building will house the Tove Jansson Museum, event facilities and a hostel. The growing Koivula yard will connect children, the elderly and the mentally handicapped. An architecturally high standard hotel will be located on the curve of the Länsiväylä motorway, isolating traffic noise and restoring the quiet atmosphere of the hospital park. Both new construction and renovations are carried out according to the principles of sustainable development, while respecting cultural and historical values. The near-carbon neutral area is heated by an innovative geothermal system.

The authors of the proposal are Oaklins Merasco Oy and NREP Oy, as well as a design team formed by Ark-byroo Oy, Arkkitehdit Soini & Horto Oy and Arkkitehtitoimisto OPUS Oy.