Wetlands in Helsinki II: historical pond

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 September 2021

Among wetlands in Helsinki, a complete exception is the pool behind the National Theatre (Suomen Kansallisteatteri) in the Kaisaniemi park (Kaisaniemenpuisto). It's completely artificial with paved banks and bottom, there's nothing natural about it. This year, it was without water, and I have no idea if it's functional. This pool is completely out of the Finnish mindset and the current state is really nothing exiting. But I'm definitely interested in it because I see the huge potential for creating something what Finns are lacking. A historic pond where genius loci and nature conservation could intertwine. I immediately thought of the pool in the Wallenstein Garden, which is smaller, but of a similar type. I think it could be a great inspiration.


View from the National Theatre to the park direction

Historically, the place looked different. Instead of current unnatural pool, there was a bay formed into a circular shape much larger than it is now, with an island in the centre. There were tall trees on the island. At first sight there was no obvious connection with the sea, and it looked like a pond. There were lots of Mute swans, and overall, it appeared very romantic. This place was called the Swan Pond because they liked it there so much.


Original appearance of the site; foto: Signe Brander, 1912 (zdroj: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kaisaniemenpuisto,_Helsinki_1912.jpg)

I've been thinking about how I would transform this area and I came with two possibilities. The first is to do it „Prague way“ which means restoration to its original state according to old photographs and maps. Trying to reach the original appearance. Of course, I don't know if this is feasible given how the area has changed since then. Maybe it's not even that important to Finns, I feel like they're more looking at what's now. The best option at the moment taking account new knowledge and such.


View from the park to the National Theatre direction

As another option, I can imagine very well something as the pool in the Wallenstein Garden. A natural bottom, macrophyte vegetation in the corners and maybe some patches through the pond (e.g. irises and simplestem bur-reed) which would not only make the place more beautiful, but also create nesting possibilities for waterbirds and habitats for aquatic invertebrates. There could again be an island in the middle of the pond where perhaps some art would look good. I would like a swan statue given the historical context. Moreover, the island would be another potential nesting place. Large stones could be placed in the pond, which would add a more natural look and also provide roosting spots for ducks.

I am looking forward to see what Finns will do with this place:)

 

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