Aleksi 15 Courtyard
Helsinki, Finland
In 1988, an unusual space was created in an old Helsinki city block. An underutilized interior courtyard was refurbished and celebrates instead of conceals the space. A pedestrian passage cuts through the block and introduces a theatrical public space with retail shops and services. The colour scheme is bright and warm and reminiscent of Southern cities. At one entrance, three slender columns welcome pedestrians while keeping the vehicular traffic from entering. Glass roofs create movement and intimacy in the space while also protecting the public from the elements. Downspouts capture the rain in the village well at the centre of this new town square.
Completed by Heather Cameron as Project Architect while employed at Arkkitehtitoimisto Juhani Pallasmaa.
