Architectural policy programme
The City has compiled an architectural policy programme to support planning and strategy
The architectural policy programme focuses on the built environment, the kind of everyday environment in which, for example, people work, spend their free time, exercise, and where childhood memories are born.
Architectural policy affects the decisions that are made regarding the design, construction and maintenance of the general environment and the buildings within it. The programme also complements the City's strategy and other future plans, such as the development programme for the town centre. In a nutshell, the programme sets forth a number of quality goals regarding the built environment and concrete measures to achieve them.
The architectural policy programme covers the entire city with an emphasis on four regional focal points:
- archipelago region
- centre and residential areas
- village centres
- countryside
The programme was designed based on information obtained from various encounters, surveys and workshops.
A formula for happiness
The goal of Uusikaupunki's architectural policy program is the long-term and systematic preservation and improvement of the quality of the built environment - the creation of a sustainable, functional and distinctive environment while strengthening the community.
Uusikaupunki's architectural policy program is currently only available in Finnish
Characteristics of Uusikaupunki
A gateway to the sea
Uusikaupunki was created as a gateway to the sea - to the outside world - and as a business centre. Uusikaupunki did not only grow to become a city, but it was also originally founded as such in 1617 by King Gustav II Adolf.
The sea has created many possibilities for local residents, both past and present. The sea is nourishing and refreshing, both in concrete as well as figurative terms. Because of its location, Uusikaupunki has always been an important maritime city; between the 1850s and 1880s, the city's merchant fleet was one of the largest in Finland. Even today, the port of Uusikaupunki provides vitality and export income to the whole of Finland.
A historic wooden town
Uusikaupunki is famous for being a wooden maritime city, where the layout of the centre follows the ideals of the empire style.
- Open long street views
- Wide and straight streets intersecting in a grid pattern
- Discreetly colourful, rustic wooden house blocks
- Beautiful decorative wooden gates are still visible around the city centre
- Blocks of wooden houses that conceal cosy little gardens with garden swings, outdoor saunas and decorative porches
- Some blocks are still intersected by ancient fire alleys, which currently take the form of tree plantations. The blocks are divided by the fire alleys into four or six sections.
- Trees have also been planted along other streets, making Uusikaupunki an even greener city
- The city centre is divided in half by Chiewitz's axis, where you can find Rauhanpuisto park, the market square, the new church and the Seikow school block
The role of the City
The role of the City is to help Uusikaupunki grow as a city, offer a variety of opportunities, and act as a platform for a happy life. Growth does not necessarily mean an increase in population, although this might be encouraged at a certain time as a strategic decision, depending on external factors. But the truly important task of the City is to take care of its residents and provide development opportunities in the ever-changing world.
The town’s characteristics, which have formed over several centuries, are what make Uusikaupunki an authentic city. The preservation of these unique characteristics is also a prerequisite for creating a strong urban identity.
Uusikaupunki model
The Uusikaupunki model emphasises the sustainability of the environment and cityscape of Uusikaupunki. Our goal is to encourage the sustainable beauty of high-quality everyday architecture.
We are building a city with the resources and ability to respond to the changing conditions of the future flexibly, responsibly and with increased vitality.
We are building a city with a strong local identity, that is loved and remembered, where people want to return. We are building a city that feels like our own.
The compass of the Uusikaupunki model points in the direction of development, while acting as a reminder of all the different elements and perspectives one must take into account even in small-scale planning. Extending the principles of the compass to the entire city enables us to see the natural goals set out for the built environment. What kind of city are we building? What kind of an environment will be created by following those principles?
By following the compass, we can:
- Create a sustainable and vital environment, which will also attract investments. Enable the City to cooperate with other actors on a long-term basis and thrive towards common goals.
- Create a safe, resistant and attractive environment, while respecting the unique characteristics of Uusikaupunki
- Create an identifiable, accessible and uncomplicated environment, where it is easy to move around and become moved. Create an environment that activates and inspires the people in it, both in their daily lives and on special occasions.
- Create a resident-oriented environment, which locals value and feel they want to develop. Create a city with versatile options for the different stages of our lives.
