The City of Helsinki is in the process of transforming Töölönlahdenpuisto to strengthen its role as a green and recreational centre in the city.

MASU Planning and the City of Helsinki has developed an idea and concept plan that outlines the overarching principles for the park’s long-term development.

The new concept plan has been created based on extensive involvement of the park’s many stakeholders, including residents, cultural institutions, and business owners. A consistent request has been to make the park greener, which will be achieved by planting new trees and introducing more diverse and space-creating vegetation.

The concept plan also involves dividing the large, monofunctional lawn into several smaller areas, which will be defined by new plantings. Water will play a more prominent role in the park’s design, and the popular shoreline route will be expanded and better integrated with the rest of the park.

“Töölönlahdenpuisto has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, shaped by evolving ideas and emotions surrounding its design. Together with the City of Helsinki, we have worked with great care on the concept plan. Our joint vision has been to create a varied landscape that offers citizens a diversity of recreational and nature experiences. A landscape that can be used by everyone – regardless of age, gender, interest, or activity level – while also increasing urban biodiversity in the area,” says Malin Blomqvist.

During the summer, a temporary phase was implemented, where various plantings, functions, and spatial features were established and tested.

The public response has been overwhelming, and the positive reactions to the temporary experiments have provided valuable feedback, which will be integrated into the final design of the park.

Photographs by Maite González