![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/587f/b32e/e58e/ce8d/9300/0068/newsletter/Tervatynnyrit-hallituskatu-rajattu.jpg?1484763940)
Lahdelma & Mahlamäki, with associate architect Arkkitehdit m3, has won a competition for the design of a new Travel Services Center and residential block to be located in the city of Oulu, Finland. Located between the low-lying neighborhood of Puu-Raksila and the high-rising city center, the complex will connect districts through large, arching openings puncturing through a dynamic, horizontal profile, while providing new housing for the city.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/587f/b30f/e58e/ce8d/9300/0067/newsletter/Tervatynnyrit-ratakatu-rajattu-pieni.jpg?1484763907)
The heart of the development will be the Travel Services Center and its two public open urban spaces. Here, two large openings in the triangular profile provide access to a bus terminal, train and bus passenger services, a multipurpose hall for sports and culture, a hotel, and shopping and restaurant areas.
“The curvilinear shapes of the Travel Services Centre and the multi-arena belonging to it radiate the impact of their urban image far beyond both sides of the railway,” explain the architects. “The Travel Services Centre also forms a natural hub of public transport, where it is made easy to change from one transport mode to another.”
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/587f/b2fc/e58e/ce8d/9300/0066/newsletter/Tervatynnyrit-sisa%CC%88na%CC%88kyma%CC%88-pieni.jpg?1484763887)
Extending from the southwest end of the Travel Services Center, three courtyard typology housing blocks will combine the scale of nearby apartment blocks and the architecture of small-scale residential buildings. The blocks will reach up to eight floors, creating wind-protected communal spaces within.
Employing a significant change in elevation, each face of the building responds to its corresponding neighborhood in scale: towards Puu-Raksila, the building meets datum lines established by existing buildings, while to the city, the hub’s distinctive profile will stand out along the skyline.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/587f/b321/e58e/ce33/8e00/0097/newsletter/Tervatynnyrit-asemapiirros-rajattu.jpg?1484763923)
Gross floor areas
Residential blocks: 65,000 square meters (700,000 square feet)
Office buildings: 10,000 square meters (108,000 square feet)
Travel Services Center: 32,800 square meters (353,000 square feet)
News via Lahdelma & Mahlamäki.