Urban design for a better quality of life
Skilful application of city planning principles in Helsinki has created varied areas that render a strong character to the city and improve the citizens’ quality of life. Helsinki’s city planning principles and practices promote diversity.
Helsinki at a historic juncture
Helsinki is about to enter the fastest period of growth in its history. In the coming years, the city will have access to more new space to develop than ever before, owing to the recent relocation of cargo port operations away from inner-city sites to a new harbour in Vuosaari. This relocation has freed vast areas for redevelopment.
The redevelopment will largely determine the urban structure and character of future Helsinki. City planning, traditionally a strong force in Helsinki, will play a core role in the redefinition of Helsinki.
Helsinki’s goal is to plan and build harmonious urban environments where city sections have individual profiles. The planning principles include a heavy emphasis on public transport and mixed use – mixing housing with commerce and services, as well as mixing various types of housing in the same neighbourhood.
Nature all around
Finnish reliance on nature as a source of mental and physical wellbeing defines the best public spaces in Helsinki. Helsinki’s strengths as an urban environment include closeness to nature, human scale with short distances, which encourage people to walk and bicycle. One-third of the city’s land is green areas.
Helsinki’s Kaivopuisto Park is the city’s largest social playground all year round. Helsinki has extensive shoreline available for outdoor activity and a rich archipelago with many islands open to the public.
The Nuuksio National Park is wilderness just 30 minutes from downtown Helsinki.
Neoclassical city icons open up
The neoclassical city blocks of Helsinki around the City Hall are being revitalized, to restore them to their former role as a lively area of entertainment. The area invites new restaurants, shops, clubs and hotels.
The City Hall is also open to the public. Residents and visitors are welcome to use information services and view exhibitions at Virka in the lobby area.
