Place: Helsinki, Finland
Team: MASU Planning (Main advisor / Landscape architect)
Client: City of Helsinki
Size: 8.8ha
Timeline: Completed 2024
Töölönlahti Temporary Park
What began as a temporary activation proved to be so successful that it will be transformed into a permanent park in the future.
Reimagining a central urban park as a layered green landscape where nature, water, and city life are brought into balance.
The project redefines Töölönlahti Park as a more diverse, accessible, and ecologically rich urban landscape in the heart of Helsinki. Through strategic interventions and long-term planning, the design transforms a monofunctional lawn into a sequence of varied spaces, strengthening the park’s role as both a recreational destination and a green connector within the city.
From Monofunctional Lawn to Diverse Landscape
Töölönlahti Park is one of Helsinki’s most central and largest parks, yet it has struggled to meet users’ needs. The concept plan addresses this by breaking down the large, open lawn into a series of smaller, defined areas shaped by new planting strategies. This creates a more varied and human-scaled park experience.
Strengthening the Role of Water
Water becomes a more prominent element in the park’s future identity. The popular shoreline route is expanded and better integrated with the rest of the park, enhancing both accessibility and the experiential qualities of moving through the landscape.
Framing the Park Through Its Surroundings
Located at the intersection of some of Helsinki’s most important urban areas, the park responds directly to its context. Cultural landmarks such as Finlandia Hall and the Music House shape the western edge, while the calmer, nature-oriented shoreline defines the north. The design reflects these contrasts, creating transitions between urban intensity and natural calm.
A Greener and More Biodiverse Park
A key ambition is to significantly increase greenery and biodiversity. New trees and diverse planting structures introduce spatial richness while supporting ecological value. The transformation responds directly to public demand for a greener and more inviting park environment.
Co-Creation and Temporary Testing
The concept has been developed through extensive public involvement, including residents, cultural institutions, and local stakeholders. Temporary interventions, such as the Töölönlahti Summer Park, have been used to test ideas in real life. The positive public response to these experiments informs the final design, ensuring the park evolves based on actual use and feedback.
