I arrive at the central square, Koskikeskus. This is the old market square. People walk around. They meet each other. They walk together. They wait for someone or a bus.
Monochrome downtown.
Tampere streets 6/7
Tampere streets 5/7
Tampere streets 4/7
The walk continues. I am passing through Hämeenpuisto. Downtown is made of blockhouses and perpendicular streets. Very rational. Very geometrical. It must have had many wooden builds in the past, but they have all been torn down in the 1970s when modernism dictated these blockhouses.
I also detect a change in my mood. It is as if I suddenly realise the grey clouds—the grey light. The snow is melting rapidly. There are Piles of old snow mixed with gravel at street corners. I can feel the light rain and keep the lens of my camera downwards to protect the glass. It is a bit gloomy.
These buildings are monochrome today.
Tampere streets 3/7
Extract: The Metso library was completed in 1986, and both Finnish and international tourists will surely find its unique architecture interesting. The building, designed by the architect couple Railiand Reima Pietilä, represents organic architecture and it resembles a courting wood grouse from above. (The name of the library, Metso, means “wood grouse” in Finnish.) The architectural artwork is designed down to the door handles.
The main library Metso was renovated in 2015-2017. The renovation respected the original appearance of the building: Metso’s earthy colour palette and round design were preserved, and many original furniture was refurbished. At the same time, however, the facilities were adapted to meet today’s needs, such as organising events and urban office-style work. The number of book shelves was reduced in order to make the space seem more open, increase natural light and clarify passages. The architect for the basic renovation was Marko Suutarla (Arkkitehtitoimisto Forssi Oy).
Tampere streets 2/7
How many R-Kisoki (Convenience stores) are there in Tampere? I do not know. Many. This man was standing in front of one fo them. His hands relaxed behind his back. He had time. I might have been waiting for someone who was inside. He might have thought about whether to go in or not.
Towards the centre, there is an area with several Asian supermarkets. They provide a great alternative to Finnish/European food. They seem to me as community centres where foreigners from the Middle East and Asia gather and share the latest about their life in Finland and from back home.
Tampere streets 1/7
After some time I went back to the city centre with my camera. I started in Pyynikki and walked towards the centre. My idea was to walk for 45 minutes. take photos and then select 14 photos that I will post over the next 7 days.
I did don’t pick a theme this time and ended up with a mix between buildings/architecture and people.
Here the first two photos
I need to find out how many grilli are left in Tampere. I remember reading some time ago that they are now less than 10. They used to be the go-to place for an evening snack late at night, especially on weekends. This one in Pyynikki is still standing.
Pyynikki is also where the main Lyseo (liceo / high school) of Tampere. An imposing building with a curved facade.
Metro
Parliament house
Oodi o Oodi 3/3
Oodi o Oodi 2/3
