BACKGROUND: Focus on the city centre after the harbours
|
|
|
By Riku Jokinen
First envisioned in the early 1990s, the acquisition of land from the Jätkäsaari, Sörnäistenranta, and Hermanninranta quay areas (Helsinki's West and Sörnäinen Harbours) for building plots has advanced so far that it is now time to start creating new visions, according to city planning head Tuomas Rajajärvi.
In his opinion the central objective is to bring the old city centre back to life: this will not happen by building gleaming skyscrapers but by keeping Helsinki “on a human scale”.
In addition to this, Rajajärvi wants more international influences in Helsinki's city planning. By way of a historical precedent, the neoclassical city centre [Senate Square and environs] that is now regarded as sacrosanct was constructed during a period of great international influence in archiecture.
The City Planning Department will also try to increase interaction with the city's residents.
The department has especially high hopes for the city planning exhibition space that is to be opened at the old bus station in Kamppi.
As a fourth point, Rajajärvi mentions the development of new types of apartment blocks.
There is currently a lot of discussion about small houses, but they alone will not solve Helsinki's problems.
"The positive image of the urban apartment block has diminished. However, happy families and healthy children can grow up there, too."
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 17.10.2007
More on this subject:
 Head of City Planning wants to cover Helsinki's downtown blocks
RIKU JOKINEN / Helsingin Sanomat
riku.jokinen@hs.fi
|
|
