Contemplating the “Dam”olition: A study in multi-species inhabitation Part 1 Project 2025 William Li The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL | UK In 2023, Helsinki commissioned a feasibility study to investigate the possible demolition of the Vanhankaupunginoski Dam, citing its environmental benefits. The proposed building project supports this demolition, assuming a scenario where the dam has been removed. In its absence, migratory fish are once again able to cross the Vantaa, resulting in a steady rise in the local ecosystem. From this change, Eurasian otters, moor frogs, birds and invertebrates can reappear on the Site. This new status quo requires a solution that mediates the industrial heritage of Old Town Helsinki with its regenerative and ecological future. The proposed building responds to this brief in three main ways:1. Dismantling the existing building on the Site and repurposing its architecture, while laying the drystone of the dam as foundation2. Blurring the boundary between the urban and natural landscape by designing animal centric facades and spaces3. Adapting structural, accessible and fire safety guidelines to provide animals with the same architectural status as humans As animals take ownership over the Site, the proposed project becomes a living experiment for multi-species inhabitation. Ultimately, the proposal acknowledges that we must re-position our priorities to lead a sustainable future in this shared ecosystem. Tutor(s)