Turning groups of apartment buildings into closed city blocks?

The role of horizontal building extensions in the redevelopment of Finnish neighbourhood unit blocks

Authors

• Jyrki Tarpio Tampere University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9269-4382
• Markku Norvasuo Tampere University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2439-541X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33357/ys.121901

Keywords:

neighbourhood unit, block, apartment building, urban structure, redevelopment

Abstract

In many Finnish cities, urban growth is directed towards neighbourhood units, putting pressure to densify their urban structure. This paper examines the horizontal extendability of existing buildings as a non-destructive means of densification. The paper starts with a short introduction to the history of the neighbourhood block. The method of horizontal extension is then approached in two scales by studying 1) the characteristics and transformation possibilities of neighbourhood unit blocks as well as 2) options for extending their typical apartment buildings. They are investigated by means of research by design, using six cases built between late 1960s and early 1980s in the city of Espoo. Based on this, the most essential properties affecting the horizontal extendability of buildings and blocks are presented.