Puistonmäki Eldercare Home
- Hämeenlinna
- 2020
Design in Nature website
Studio Puisto website
Nomaji Landscape Architecs website
The accessible recreational path for the island of Lammassaari was implemented in 2016–2018. The preexisting duckboards and path structures leading into the island were redone with a modular design that consists of four different components. This construction method allowed for the preexisting base structures and soft bends to be sustainably reused along the approximately one-kilometre long boardwalk route without waste. At the same time, two new birdwatching platforms were built along the path with an additional platform next to the current bird observation tower on the island.
One of the most fundamental aspects of the project was that the entire boardwalk needed to be thoughtfully designed for everyone to equally enjoy, meaning that it was essential for it to be adequately accessible. To best prioritize accessibility, the path follows gently sloping curves along the way while the ends of the observation platforms are fully glazed to allow both children and wheelchair users alike the possibility look out into the vast nature without obstruction. In addition, the ends of these observation platforms are also organically enlarged to support teaching purposes as well as to facilitate a more social, comfortable birdwatching experience. These sorts of details, although subtle in practice, help make the paths more accessible for all without taking away from the overall design aesthetic.
Source: Studio Puisto Architects