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