Turku Market Square

Designed by Loci

Location: Finland — Type: Squares and Plazas — Built: 2023 —

Turku Market Square is the central square of a former capital of Finland and an outdoor living room for people. Its role in the city is significant and its history dates to the 1600s. The square has been given a new look and feel with the new design that not only supports the old market use but also collects the residents and visitors from all ages and walks of life to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Turku is the third largest metropolitan area in Finland, located on the southwest coast of the country. It is the capital of the most beautiful archipelago in the world. The design gets inspiration from that unique landscape and brings it to the marketplace. The design of the square is based on the winning competition proposal nicknamed Saariston sydän (Eng. The Heart of the Archipelago).

In the center of the square there is a market sales area with an old paving. The edges of the sales area are lined with terrace areas, as well as seating islands on the south end and activity areas in front. With the new design, the square has several comfortable and intimate-scale seating areas. Existing trees are preserved in front of the old orthodox church. The pedestrian stairs descend to the square and form an embracing place for artwork and active hangout area.

The curved granite staircases serve as a gathering place around an art project named “The Island Hop” embracing its role as a central piece of the square. The Island Hop is a large map consisting of a few hundred island outlines and place names carved into granite slabs. The major sites are highlighted by water jets and lights – from spring to autumn, the work acts as a refreshing fountain to run from one island to the next. In autumn, the lights come on in the larger towns and villages. The idea is to get people to gather around the map to share their island stories and look for familiar places.

The cherry trees create intimate spots for tables and lounging. They provide wind protection and shade. The edges of the square are lined with granite planting areas, with vegetation inspired by the sea. The vegetation consists of grass species, evergreen junipers, ornamental trees and bluish perennials. The planting areas act as islands and provide seating for the visitors.

The historic square is busy with all the children (and adults) jumping from island to island, students holding ping-pong tournaments, and diners sitting on the steps and on the edges of the vegetation islands to eat. The buzzing market spirit catches with the passers-by and pumps new life into the square.