2025
Lahti, Finland
30 100 m²
Europan 18 Architecture Competition entry
A New Layer of Recreation
The project reimagines the historic Lahti Sports Center as a cohesive, high-quality destination for sports, events, and recreation. Set within the city’s distinctive ridge landscape, the plan strengthens the area’s identity as an accessible, inviting, and sustainable public environment.
The vision emphasizes hospitality and year-round activity through two key elements: Sports Street and a stormwater park integrating blue-green infrastructure into the urban fabric. New construction is kept minimal, focusing on ecological quality and continuity with the existing city structure.
Key additions include a multi-purpose arena, water sports center, sports hotel complex, and circular economy pavilions. Modular wooden buildings combine contemporary architecture with sustainable methods, while reclaimed materials from the demolished power plant are reused in public spaces, reflecting a circular design ethos.
The landscape strategy enhances biodiversity and climate resilience through extensive planting and the new stormwater axis. Integrated art and lighting installations reinforces the site’s identity and orientation. Blending sports, culture, and urban nature, the plan strengthens the Lahti Sports Center as a vibrant and versatile district.
