Photo: Paul Charpentier
Vallila Vision was developed using“ the best method” – which means that the entire process was driven by like-minded property owners.
“ The City serves as a facilitator in these types of projects, but it’ s the owners that call the shots. It was really nice to see all the owners coming together on this,” she says.
Another important thing about the process was“ building from strengths”: the city master plan recognises that the area already has a great number of successful companies and it is a real hotbed for innovation also in national sense. The Vallila Vision took that solid foundation and proceeded to expand on it.
“ There were issues to consider along the way, such as conserved buildings and zoning issues, but over all, there are certainly many, many things one can do to boost the appeal and energy of the neighbourhood,” she says.
Street Credibility
36 Nordicum
According to Timo Metsälä, Vallila is a meeting place for not only history and future, but also for hi-tech and street culture. The neighbourhood has the bohemian quality that can, conceivably, attract millennials by the droves – if the total package is working out.
“ Key to success is coming up with more diverse services and linking the residential side more closely to work,” he says, pointing out that in an ideal situation you could both live and work in the area and have needed services within walking distance.
From the perspective of existing real estate, the emerging new ideas require a good degree of flexibility. Co-working solutions are becoming more common and some companies may only need space for a limited time – and hence, making sure that Vallila can accommodate such wishes is a big priority.
“ Also, there are accessibility and lighting issues of the public areas that can be improved. One goal is to bring people in from surrounding residential areas to core Vallila,” adds Metsälä.
The Power of Three
Minna Maarttola believes that Vallila has a great shot of forging an identity apart from Pasila and Kalasatama: she points out that these three areas have their own, distinct profiles and speak to different target groups.
“ From the perspective of the City, we are very happy with the way the‘ Growth
Triangle’ is turning out – there are various options to choose from for both companies and citizens. In encouraging the desired level of diversity, such a mix is simply crucial.”
For Vallila, this could mean, for instance, that more and more enterprising startups flock to the area where the rents are relatively cheap and where there already are plenty of ICT wizards.
All Together Now
Timo Metsälä believes that a wide range of things is certainly possible for“ Vallila 2.0,” but the best way to proceed is through collaboration.
“ In the discussions with the owners, it became very clear that no single player has the muscle to effect change all by itself. Therefore, getting together and searching for synergies that benefit everybody is the most viable method to develop the area,” he says.
The elements for smart urban design management and co-operation between the city and property owners are already there, he believes.“ Vallila can clearly develop into a more vibrant neighbourhood that attracts both economic and social capital.” l
Sami J. Anteroinen