Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2015 | Page 32

Photo: ALA Architects

Cleared for Launch
“Innovation Triangle” of Tapiola, Otaniemi and Keilaniemi is
poised to take Espoo – and Finland – to a whole new level
Next year, the western metro expansion will take connectivity in the capital
region to a whole new level. The largest infrastructure project in Finland will
introduce eight new stations, of which six are located in Espoo. The entire
Western Metro line will transport more than 100,000 people every day – which
means that Espoo is building its urban structure in line with the key principles
of sustainable development.

P

erhaps the most noteworthy neighbourhood along the rails is the area of
Tapiola, Otaniemi and Keilaniemi –
known as “The Innovation Triangle”. Northern Europe’s largest innovation hub is the
place where science, culture and business
create new synergies in accordance to the
City strategy. The profile of the area will be
strengthened by the tallest residential and
office buildings in Finland, tunneled main
roads, a renewed culture and shopping district as well as a new university village for
students, researchers and entrepreneurs.

Espoo Edge
But what is it about the Innovation Triangle that makes it such a phenomenon both
nationally and internationally? Well, first of
30 Nordicum

all you have to take into account the role
Espoo as a real champion of innovation and
economic growth. Besides being the second
largest city in the country, Espoo’s ecosystem accounts for 50 % of the research and
development value for all of Finland. Furthermore, Espoo companies are responsible
for around 50% of the turnover in the Helsinki Stock Exchange.
As part of the Helsinki Metropolitan
Area, Espoo is a gateway between Europe,
Russia and Asia. Therefore global headquarters of major Finnish companies and
more than 430 international companies are
located in Espoo. With Helsinki as its neighbour and ally – and Stockholm, St. Petersburg and Tallinn not too far away either –
Espoo enjoys a great location.
And, of course, Espoo has an innova-

tion engine that not everybody can match.
The trio of Otaniemi, Keilaniemi and Tapiola
is also referred to as “innovation garden”,
which is a nod to the Finns’ love of nature.
Tapiola is the “original Garden City” which
is now going through a beauty treatment.

Reinventing Tapiola
In keeping with the original spirit of the district, a new centre will be built in Tapiola –
a bold solu [ۈX\