This project proposes to realize the potential of modernist planning between buildings, to create spaces and programmes to be shared and used by the community. With comprehensive landscaping and zoning strategies we see emptiness as an opportunity to create new pedestrian scales that are liberated from vehicle traffic. In doing so, we attempt to challenge the notion of ‘defensible’ space that have made courtyard typologies the de-facto approach to lively urban environments. Where low rise courtyard typologies were seen as an antidote to the ails of modernist planning,they also serve to privatize large areas of public spaces that could instead be shared. Similarly by nature of their territoriality and natural surveillance, courtyard typologies are exclusive and homogenizing.

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Where is the Ground?
Itäkeskus is currently dominated by the traffic of Itäväylä and the car oriented lifestyle of the area. While there are improving connections and public transit infrastructure, the transition from cars will not happen overnight. The inward facing character of the commercial centres and the scale of the streets and highways will inevitably remain
challenging for pedestrian traffic along the street level around Itäkeskus.
We propose to lift the plane of urban activity by placing car parking and infrastructure on the ground. Car parking serves as the base for large plinth areas that contain recreational and green spaces for the community. As
modes of transportation transition away from cars, the structures can be repurposed for other uses as Helsinki transforms into a carbon neutral city.

The plinth level is designed with a comprehensive landscape strategy, integrating various planting types and soil depths from recreational lawns, perennial plantings, tree clusters and vegetable production to increase
rain water retention and biodiversity while also improving views and microclimate for the housing areas.
The simple massing of the housing blocks are designed to incentivize monolithic construction techniques that are sustainable and durable. On the plinth level, the blocks are used for small scale commercial and community premises that can interact intimately with the surroundings, providing opportunities for smaller ventures and
entrepreneurs. These spaces compliment the high quality services of the commercial centres in Itäkeskus. The current diversity of Puhos shopping centre is due to its smaller scale retail spaces for entrepreneurs and small
businesses, a diversity that is at threat as the Itäkeskus develops.
By embedding smaller premises into housing, independent ventures, working spaces, small shops, and community services can be fostered by lowering capital costs. Placing them on the plinth allows them to support and be supported by the urban activity on the level, strengthening the cosmopolitan character of Itäkeskus.