The Riihimäki Station Area Local Reference Plan was published by Riihimäki City on 25.08.2020. The plan includes land use, traffic planning, and detailed master planning for an area of 80 hectares accommodating 5000 inhabitants. The multidisciplinary team comprised Arkkitehdit LSV, Jolma Architects, TUPA architecture, Nomaji landscape architects, and Ramboll Finland. The plan brings together disparate and detached neighborhoods separated by a bisecting railway line. The plan reconciles different socio-economic conditions to create a more egalitarian society in keeping with Finnish values.
The Local Reference Plan is an approved supplementary planning document that is based on the adopted Master Plan which was also completed by the same design team.
The Local Reference Plan for the Riihimäki Station Area covers three plan areas: the historic core; Jokikylä; and Peltosaari.
The Historic Core
A vibrant downtown area has been created around the refurbished historical train sheds, train station, and travel center. The historical buildings in this area have been thoughtfully retained and repurposed. The important traffic connections and the change of sustainable modes of transport have been prioritized. Transport connection nodes have been well integrated with the public open space where the taller hotel and office buildings act as landmarks. The historic setting of the existing buildings has been respected in the scaling of proposed buildings and the choice of complimentary materials. City center functions of mixed-use residential, retail, entertainment, and offices bring vibrancy to the downtown area. A pleasant walking environment has been created by the conversion of Eteläinen Asemakatu into a vibrant green street, which also provides ecosystem services of stormwater management and amelioration.
Jokikylä
The townscape character of Jokikylä is defined by the proximity of nature found in the lush meadow and riverside vegetation of the Vantaanjoki river. The river design has been carefully designed to serve as flood mitigation while providing amenity value in the flood meadows. The riverbed and edge habitats have also been diversified to provide better wildlife habitat. The low two to five-story buildings and their arrangement create an intimate, village-like character surrounding the central park. Parking is placed alongside the railway line offering an acoustic barrier that creates a peaceful environment in the Jokikylä village.
Peltosaari
Infill and new development in Peltosaari supports and improves the existing built assets with new residential and service buildings creating a service center that caters to people of all backgrounds. The area is well connected through the main pedestrian and cycle network, as well as public transport and car routes. The main central square is directly linked to the railway underpass and multiservice building, enlivening the access to the downtown area with public art. The varied heights of the buildings ensure adequate sunlight penetrates to the street level. The tallest buildings are located along the trackside to provide acoustic buffering for the rest of the development. The blue and green infrastructure in the area, most notably in the proposed Karlskogan Puisto park, significantly improves the amenity value of the area whilst also providing much-needed flood mitigation.
