Over the summer, experiments designed to promote a sense of wellbeing and community spirit in urban spaces have been carried out in many neighbourhoods. Residents’ wishes for cosy gathering places, community-based summer events and summer flower displays have been met by carrying out quick and temporary placemaking pilots. The feedback received on the pilots after the summer will also be taken into account in longer-term plans.
This year, placemaking pilots will be carried out in Malmi, Malminkartano, Kannelmäki, Mellunkylä, Kontula and Itäkeskus. Marine environments have also been taken into account, and thanks to the Katukala project, it is now possible to try urban fishing at Kaisaniemenranta, Kalasatama, Herttoniemensalmi, Hiekkajaalanranta and Aurinkolahti.
Local residents involved in planning temporary activities at Tilketori
The Tilketori area in Malmi is a familiar spot for local residents, and many people pass through it every day. Schoolchildren often play football in the square, and customers from the nearby kiosk may linger in the area for a while, but apart from a few benches, the square has had no seating or other street furniture that would encourage people to stop and spend time there. This summer, things will change as the ideas that emerged from the placemaking pilot lend new vitality to the area.
“Tilketori was selected as a placemaking pilot site after respondents to a survey of urban spaces for children and young people, carried out in autumn 2025, expressed a desire for a project there that would enhance the area’s appeal and encourage communal activities,” explains Project Manager Silja Lindblad. “Furthermore, Tilketori is due to undergo a major renovation in the coming years.” As part of this pilot, we will involve local residents in the development of the square area and be able to test the functionality that will form part of the permanent plan.
Children and young people aged 9–17 living in the area were involved in the planning of the Tilketori project during the initial review phase, and local entrepreneurs and the Malmi Parkour Centre also participated in the project.
Summer season pilots receive positive feedback from residents
A temporary park was opened in front of Puhos on Helsinki Day, 12 June. The group known as Caramel Puhos has already received a great deal of praise from local residents in just a few weeks. As part of the pilot, a scheme involving street furniture, lighting and planting was implemented in the park, providing a setting for people to relax and for events to be held.
Agile trials lower the threshold for residents to get involved in the development of the area and signal change to residents. Furthermore, the findings from agile trials can be incorporated into long-term plans where possible. The aim of the renovation project being carried out in the Puhos and Stoa areas is to better meet the needs of a diverse range of residents in the future. Construction work is scheduled to begin in April 2028 and be completed in May 2031. The aim of placemaking pilots is, in particular, to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard in the development of urban spaces, and to create pleasant and inviting places in collaboration with them and other residents.
Throughout the summer, weekly activities, workshops and events will be organised at the pilot sites. A more detailed list of summer activities can be found via the link below.