“This is truly moving. I came back from vacation and passed through the park, and I have to say that a tear of joy fell when I saw people here enjoying themselves.” – Jere Saarikko, project manager for the redevelopment of Töölönlahdenpuisto / Tölöloviksparken, in an interview with Yle – the Finnish National Broadcasting Company.

In close collaboration with The City of Helsinki, MASU Planning has spent the past year working on a concept plan for the development of the most central park in the Finnish capital.

Simultaneously with the long-term development plan, we have been working on a trial phase in form of Töölönlahti Summer Park, which was built this summer.

The aim has been to test out new kinds of area use and activities, but most of all, to provide citizens and tourists with an opportunity to enjoy the park over the summer period.

Temporary activities include, in addition to lush vegetation and hidden pathways, various stay-and-play possibilities such as hammocks, swings, sunbeds, climbing sculptures, a beach volleyball court, and a performance stage that can be reserved and used by everyone.

Next, a more permanent design phase will be initiated, in which some of the most successful temporary elements will be incorporated.

The aim of the long-term development plan is to make nature an even more integral part of the park by increasing the number of trees and introducing more diverse and layered vegetation. Water will also become a stronger part of the park experience, and the popular coastal route around the park will be expanded and better integrated with the park.

Read “The redevelopment of Töölönlahdenpuisto is receiving so much praise that the architect got something in his eye” (Text in Finnish) on Yle.