Uphold

Fig: 1 - Violation of human rights can be physical police brutality as a response to social unrest. (Credits: Human Rights Careers)

PREMISE

Humans have inhabited the earth for 1 million years or so, and learned to coexist in harmony with their predecessors in natural surroundings. They formed communities to form civilizations over time. As their power and ambitions rose, the urge to control every other element grew. 

When we entered a new century, human supremacy and exploitation of nature were at their peak with no remorse. The retaliation in the form of climate change ultimately threatens our planet’s survival. As we battle this global injustice, the chaos that is already prevalent in human society is aggravated. 

In this situation, order and measure are essential to balance society. Abuse is inflicted due to unrestrained activity, and as we strive to create a better version of ourselves for the future, we tend to look toward tangible aspects of society that shape our way of life. 

How can architecture establish order in our abusive and chaotic society?

Fig: 2 - People unite to protest against violence or unfairness inflicted by the system.

ISSUE

The world is in turmoil, but not just due to the restrained environmental conditions, but social, political or cultural reasons that have been prevalent for centuries now. Human atrocities range from gun violence, crime, discrimination to war and genocide. 

Human rights are norms that aspire to protect people around the globe from these atrocities and abuses. But with diversity, comes bias and discrimination, causing a rift in communities. Unity and harmony are ideals of a well-functioning society. Achieving this stability is inherent in every element that shapes human lives.  

Architecture is the art of organising life, in space and time. Design is not just capable of fulfilling aesthetic and functional requirements, but its application extends far and wide beyond that. A structure marks the memory, the rich history of events that shaped civilization to what it is today. 

Can we enlighten people on the realities of human rights through spatial design?

Fig: 3 - The society aims to reset the inequality rooted in the system against people of diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

BRIEF OF THE COMPETITION

A structure can become a vessel for meaningful representation of human reality, communicate reforms, and ultimately have an impactful effect on society.

The challenge is to design a center for human rights that creates a stimulating journey of anticipation, discovery, struggle, learning, and contemplation.

Design of the civic center is to generate spaces for programs and interactive exhibits of the history of human rights movements and accomplishments in the world as well as the ongoing rights issues. It will also commemorate the scenes of regrettable crimes against humans and violence, enlightening its visitors on realities of vulnerable communities. 
The centre will aim to change the fundamental thinking of people regarding human rights and the choices that they make with their position in society. The journey of the visitor through the various stages of choice change must be planned for in the layout of the design. 

 OBJECTIVES

Ideation: The story-telling in the design proposal is of utmost importance, where order must be established for maximum impact. Interest must be maintained until the end of the visit. 
Anticipation: The journey through the centre must unfold to create a mystery and discovery through its path.
Balance: It is necessary to achieve a balance between the positive and negative aspects of the centre in terms of the content displayed. 
Landmark: The centre must be able to create a visual impact externally to attract visitors.
Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider sociocultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

HELSINKI, FINLAND

Helsinki is a metropolitan area with more than 1.5 million population. It is one of the world’s most livable cities. While the city presents a progressive landscape, some parts of the country of Finland are plagued by violations of human rights. 

Previously Finland was considered a transitional country for human traffickers. trafficking is mostly of human labour and their exploitation also occurs within the boundary of the nation. Criminal activity of other forms is also observed. 

SITE

The site can be accessed from the Hermannin rantatie road. It is the neighbourhood of Verkkosaari, surrounded by educational and commercial centers attracting young people to the area. It is more than 300 metres from the port. 

• Site area = 3975.79 sq.m
• Height restriction = 10 metres
• Maximum FAR = 1
• Ground coverage = 30%
• Coordinates = 60°11'22.4"N 24°58'43.9"E

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)
Ground Coverage refers to the ratio of maximum allowed solid/permanent footprint on the site to balance the built and unbuilt spaces. You can utilize the other 70% of the site for any temporary intervention/recreation.  

AREA PROGRAMME

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme.

• Museum, Orientation theatre, Cinemark theatre ~ 300 sq.m
• Classroom, multimedia room, studios ~ 200 sq.m
• Memorial and reflection gallery, Exhibition Gallery ~ 300 sq.m
• Gift shop, Cafe ~120 sq.m
• Administration offices ~ 100 sq.m
• Parking and Services