ESPOO – A large ring of vegetation crossed by bicycle lanes and pathways surrounds the centre of Espoo; it provides a link to both the green areas in the city centre and the vast outer woodland. In order to interconnect the natural areas that already encircle the centre of Espoo and to enclose them in a green loop, we suggest transforming the network of wide spaces designated to vehicle traffic, located along the northern side of the station, into a green esplanade.The park-square is bounded by a sequence of spaces containing clusters of buildings. The first and ground floors and the basements are used for city functions, while on the upper floors, highly flexible spaces provide converted loft accommodation, which offers a flexible long-term solution for different housing and work requirements.The current green belt located on the east side of the business centre and the school will be developed as a real urban centre. It is made up of an unbroken succession of pedestrian squares surrounded by buildings that house cafés, restaurants, small shops, public facilities and apartments on the upper floors. The pedestrian area of the artificial park consists of a sequence of spaces which join the station to the new City Hall and the hotel, stretching as far as the Cathedral. The renovation of the City Hall has enabled us to envisage a multifunctional complex building open to the public: a meeting place, a cultural and information centre, and a recreational area. It will be a new reference point for residents, guests and visitors alike, and will constitute a new symbol for the city’s identity.The new City Hall, the citizens’ house, has been conceived as a large attraction point, a magnet for people and activities, and a new reference for the community. A transparent covering makes up a type of covered square which is naturally aerated.The project lends itself to be carried out in the immediate future. The new City Hall can be built without the need to demolish any pre-existing buildings or to move services and operations, therefore giving a boost to the re-qualification of the city centre.Both the City Hall and the buildings of the clusters feature large coverings of photovoltaic panes. These aim to zero energy consumption for public illumination of the new city centre, so bearing evidence of the future orientation of the Espoo community.Client: City of EspooCompetition “Renovation of the Espoo City Hall”.