JÄTKÄSAARI
HELSINKI
Finland
Jätkäsaari is one of Helsinki’s main waterfront redevelopments, turning a former cargo harbour into a dense, mixed‑use, smart and sustainable district by the sea. It also serves as a living lab for new mobility and urban‑service solutions within Helsinki’s wider smart‑city strategy. Jätkäsaari is located on the south‑west edge of central Helsinki, on land freed when port operations moved away. The city plans homes for about 21,000 residents and around 6,000 jobs, extending the inner city with compact blocks and strong public transport.
The city presents Jätkäsaari as an “urban seaside district” with perimeter blocks, ground‑floor services and tram corridors, resembling traditional inner‑city structure. About one-fifth of the area is reserved for parks and green spaces, including the one‑kilometre Hyväntoivonpuisto (Park of Good Hope) as the main green axis. Redevelopment of the roughly 100‑hectare former harbour started around 2010 and continues in phases into the late 2020s. A major Swimming and Sports Centre will replace the old “Bunker” building to provide district‑scale sports and leisure services by 2029.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
Planning for Jätkäsaari follows Helsinki’s climate and energy targets, focusing on low‑carbon buildings and efficient energy systems. Environmental reporting notes work towards a carbon‑neutral energy concept, including wood‑framed housing and renewable‑based, low‑temperature energy networks. Hyväntoivonpuisto and other green spaces support stormwater management, biodiversity, and pleasant microclimates, while forming a main walking and cycling route. The district is strongly connected to tram, cycling, and pedestrian networks to minimise car dependence.
Smart City
Jätkäsaari is used as a test area for smart mobility and digital traffic safety services. Through projects such as ELABORATOR and city‑led pilots, Helsinki experiments with intelligent transport systems and real‑time information to improve safety and flow in the district. Smart City tours highlight wood‑construction offices, innovative housing, and digital services as examples of everyday urban technologies in Jätkäsaari. The district is part of Helsinki’s broader smart‑city programme and inter‑city collaboration on open data and digital services.
Human-Centric
Jätkäsaari is framed as “city life for the new millennium”, combining housing, jobs, schools, sport, and services in a walkable district. Everyday services, parks, playgrounds, and waterfront access are planned within short distances to support families and diverse residents. Helsinki’s city strategy stresses high‑quality completion of new districts with a focus on wellbeing, safety, and participation. Living‑lab projects invite residents, companies, and officials to co‑create mobility, energy, and public‑space solutions, keeping development people‑centred.
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