Ii Centre Waterfront

  • Public idea competition for the waterfront area in the centre of Ii, 1st place
  • 2024
  • Concept name ”Nättetori”
  • Scope ca. 12 ha, floor area 18 170 m2
  • Location Ii Centre
  • Client Municipality of Ii

Starting point

The aim of the competition was to find high quality solutions for the development of the central waterfront area of the municipality of Ii. The area will be used for new residential development, services and public buildings.

Competition area

Location

The area is located in the centre of Ii, where the to-be-decommissioned Ii Municipal Office and the Nättepori library and cultural centre are located. In the vicinity of the planning area is the residential area of the old town of Ii, Iin Wanha Hamina, of cultural and historical importance, and the Ii Church.

Solution

Ii is an innovative climate municipality, and the development of its central area offers a great opportunity to promote climate objectives through attractive and recognisable waterfront development. The area invites a sustainable lifestyle in a positive way.

The new construction will be inspired by the old town and traditional coastal wood architecture, reinforcing the area’s own identity.

Nättetori

At the scenic end of Kirkkotie is the municipality’s new common living room, Nättetori, which offers inviting places to sit and relax. Nättetori will be crossed from the municipal centre to the new promenade, and the area will be activated by the promenade shops, a café pavilion, the library and cultural facilities.

Promenade buildings and Nättetori
Area section

Public buildings borrow their look from the waterfront warehouses, updating red ochre and gable roofs to the present day through modern construction.

Waterfront village

The residential development of Rantakylä – “waterfront village” is arranged around a dense courtyard street, and the common waterfront saunas, among other things, create a sense of community in the area.

Many tourists pass by Ii on their way north and Ii is also a natural weekend destination for Oulu residents. They’ll also be tempted to bathe in the sauna, eat at the restaurants, climb the bird and observation tower and walk along the new beach promenade.

visualisations Janoušek & Havlíček visualizations