Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2017 | Page 30

European Plan
Marja Piimies , Master Plan Architect , Head of Master Plan Unit , comments that the new city plan is very much in tune with present European and global city development :
“ The city plan emphasises the kind of a sustainable city that is becoming the standard internationally ,” Piimies says .
The other key issue is safeguarding growth : Helsinki wants to welcome new residents and new companies ( and to make sure they enjoy themselves ). “ Growth is the starting point for everything else ,” she says , adding that proper “ urban framework ” for growth is a big priority , also in the eyes of international investors .
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The solutions of the city plan are based on a vision of Helsinki as a modern “ network city ”. According to this Vision 2050 , Helsinki will be a decidedly international city , and the robust urban centre of the metropolitan area . Urban life is born out of encounters between people , for which the city offers spaces and opportunities . In the Helsinki-tobe , the city and urban space are given much more weight .
Ride the Rails
The targeted urban structure model revolves around extensive rail transport network . All parts of the city have become more compact by 2050 – but , especially , this development will hit the areas around rail transport stations , junctions and important stops . Suburban centres of today will have become urban centres . These compact , urban conglomerations of services , jobs and housing feature a variety of functions .
According to the Vision 2050 , the dynamic rail network will generate also new centres in the years and decades to come . This network city has both regional and international dimensions : in addition to being the number one city in the region , Helsinki is also a part of the network of major European cities .
The network city will rely on commuter trains and the metro to offer fast rail connections between the central areas and