From a transport hub to a gateway into the developing Helsinki East Urban Centre
A public transport terminal is being planned for the site of the metro and bus station, which was completed in 1982. The final stop of the light rail is also planned to become part of the new terminal, in order to make transfer connections smoother and the passenger experience more pleasant, clear and safe.
Another key aim of the competition is to create a new, positive image for Itäkeskus. The proposals are expected to be interesting from a cityscape perspective, as the area under development will serve as a showcase for the entire revitalised Helsinki East Urban Centre. The area is planned to be more than a transport hub and more like a recognisable entity of high quality, reflecting the identity and development of the renewed Helsinki East Urban Centre.
Set your imagination free in the Sweet Architecture competition
East Helsinki has the greatest number of children of all the districts in Helsinki. The public transport terminal is also a central transfer hub for children and young people, and the aim is to consider in particular the residents who look at the urban space from a lower perspective in its design. Alongside the main competition, a Sweet Architecture competition will be held, in which the views of local children and young people on the landmark of the area, for example, are particularly welcome. The aim is to gather the views of children and young people for the further planning of the new public transport terminal.
–It is important for children and young people to be able to participate in planning the area that affects them in a way that suits them. Combining art and imagination with a place that is relevant to one’s own life is a great way to hear the views of children and young people. They are the future users of the area, so it is important to hear their views as well, says Deputy Mayor Johanna Laisaari.
The Sweet Architecture competition has its own competition programme, judging process and prizes. The competition is organised in three age groups, and the top three ideas in each category will receive prizes of 100–300 euros. The winners of the competition will be decided in February 2027.
The new transport terminal is part of the extensive reform of Itäkeskus
The winner of the main architectural competition will be announced in April 2027. The planning is also set to begin during 2027. According to the provisional schedule, the new public transport terminal is due to be completed as early as 2032.
The public transport terminal is a part of the transformation of Itäkeskus from a suburban centre into a new Helsinki East Urban Centre. The transformation will begin with the City’s own projects: the winner of the architectural competition for Cultural Centre Stoa will be selected in spring 2027, the swimming hall will be renovated, and public urban spaces will be developed. Plans have already been made for the construction or renovation of several schools and daycare centres in the area, and further renovations are being planned. New, more urban-style housing has been planned for the area around Stoa and Puhos, as well as around Puotila metro station.
The architectural competition for the public transport terminal is being organised by the City of Helsinki, Helsingin Joukkoliikenneinfra Oy and the Helsinki City Transport (HKL), in cooperation with the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA). The Sweet Architecture competition is organised by the City of Helsinki in cooperation with Metropolitan Area Transport and Arkki School of Architecture for Children and Youth.