MFA Friday Clip: Finnish Architecture – Review 2020: Kakola Funicular Station Buildings

Описание: MFA Friday Clip series presents videos of the latest biennial review projects. This week theme: Kakola Funicular Station Buildings by Vapaavuori Architects

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KAKOLA FUNICULAR STATION BUILDINGS Turku, Finland, 2019
Vapaavuori Architects

The first outdoor inclined lift in a Finnish city, completed on the slope of Kakolanmäki Hill in Turku, is called the Funicular. The City of Turku decided to construct the inclined lift as the street running to the historical Kakolanmäki prison area is too narrow and winding for a bus. A transport connection was required, as in recent years, housing and services have been located in the old buildings.

The inclined lift provides a quick one-minute ride to the top of the hill. The ride is accessible for all and free of charge. Along the track runs one cabin with room for 30 passengers, steered by an autopilot system.

The cave-like lower station has been skilfully embedded into the slope by using triangle shapes in the layout, walls, retaining wall and facade. The vividly angular top station is also based on a skilled use of triangle shapes. It is like a lookout pavilion with large glass surfaces, through which one can see the River Aura. The stations have been built of high-quality materials: Corten steel, glass bead blasted aluminium, concrete and Kakola Granite.

The original location of the track had to be changed, which is why an emergency access road to an adjacent block of flats had to be built by making the roof of the lower station a bridge structure. The architect has also managed well with this challenge. The inclined lift, the stations and the steel fences aptly fit to the park. The outdoor lighting is also successful. The imposing architecture highlights the unique nature of the project, as well as the quality objectives set by the City emphasising the importance of the public transport services.

Text: Harri Hautajärvi / Jury 2020

Video: Jonni Roos, Raimo Uunila
Camera: Raimo Uunila, Atte Henriksson
Editing: Raimo Uunila, Camilla Siren
Editor: Jonni Roos
Production: Uuden Avaaja, Grape Prodictions
Subtitles: Museum of Finnish Architecture
Translation: Translatinki Oy

The Finnish Architecture. Biennial Review 2020 exhibition is open until February 28, 2021 in Museum of Finnish Architecture, Helsinki.

In cooperation with Alvar Aalto Foundation and the Finnish Association of Architects, SAFA.