Article

Private Public Private

In mid-century USA, Victor Gruen developed the shopping mall, a typology that still raises questions on how contemporary cities should be designed. Antti Auvinen and Kristian Äijö explore the phenomenon.

Article

Excursions Into Suburban Density

Density is a buzzword in current public discussions on urbanity, but what does the concept actually mean? ask professors of the USP Master's Programme.

Article

Megaprojects — A Recipe for Mega Success?

If Finland’s second largest city region is serious about growing its economy, Tampere will need to balance its focus between the needs of the urban economy and the high-profile construction projects for which it has become known, Jenni Partanen suggests.

Article

What’s happening to our cities?

Digital technology is transforming urban spaces and the way those spaces are used. Design management professionals would do well to engage with the changes taking place, Sari Viertiö says.

Article

Ode to Everything

The decade-long engagement and consultation process that preceded the launch of Helsinki’s new central library Oodi meant that building came heavily laden with expectations.

Project Review

Miracle of the Mundane

Photo Timo Kiukkola A waste collection station has been built in Kruunuvuorenranta in Helsinki. The waste from this new neighbourhood will be collected by vacuum tubes and packed tightly in containers to await transportation and final processing elsewhere.

Project Review

Small Gestures

Photo Tuomas Uusheimo Playa Architects designed three point blocks in Kruunuvuorenranta, Helsinki. They made Antti Auvinen think about the nature of urbanity.

Project Review

Where the Suburbs met Utopia*

The architectural office Ortraum designed a detatched house in Laajasalo, Helsinki. The somewhat experimental home makes Philip Tidwell think about everyday life sites and the urban periphery.

Project Review

Archetype

The University of Helsinki’s old administration building was in need of renovation and thus a suitable venue for comprehensive change, when the university was looking for a place to organise events. Think Corner is a successful new model for a currently emerging building type, says Tommy Kaj Lindgren.