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