Kansalaistori: ”We received exactly what we wanted”
Destia has built a recreational space for all residents of Helsinki smack-dab in the middle of the city center. The old VR warehouses have made way for the new Kansalaistori and Makasiinipuisto. Destia was the main contractor in this unique large-scale project built on a tight schedule.
The plan realized by Destia encompasses the areas of Kansalaistori, Makasiinipuisto, Eero Erkon katu, and part of Töölönlahdenkatu. Construction began in May 2018 and was completed in the summer of 2019.
”This project was unique in my career. I’m not sure I’ll get to be involved in anything quite like it again,” says Anna Nyyssönen, project manager representing the client city.
The large-scale project consisted of many different works
The project involved such things as improving the municipal infrastructure, removing contaminated soil, constructing a square with hand-laid granite slabs as well as building a playground and a park. Hydraulic traffic calming devices were also implemented to improve road safety in the area.
”All the paving for the area was handcrafted on location,” Nyyssönen says in reference to the square’s beautiful granite slabs.
Trust between the client and general contractor comes first
In such a large endeavor, trust between the client and general contractor was vital throughout the project. The busy central location of the construction site presented its own challenges.
”This wasn’t the easiest location. Despite some problems that came up, trust and solid cooperation were maintained. Together with the contractor and supervisors, we resolved all the issues as smoothly as possible. The project had such a tight schedule that lulls in construction were out of the question,” Nyyssönen says emphatically.
”The client is completely satisfied. We received exactly what we wanted,” Nyyssönen adds.