Article Highlights
A sense of community:
A sensitive introduction of new functions and improvements deepens the connection people can have to space. Simple, modular and adaptable designs turn a functional space into a welcoming place.
Placemaking for urban development:
Placemaking-centered suburban regeneration initiatives foster the development of urban districts and communities, ensuring social sustainability with an emphasis on enhancing public spaces.
Better walkability:
Providing areas for rest along the route fosters social life. It encourages citizens to linger, sit, gather and play.
Public places are a key to a socially sustainable and liveable city, especially local market squares. They have the potential to act as the heart of a community by gathering social life. Market squares have a strategic role in maintaining healthy urban social ecosystems. That is why it is so important to actively involve people early in the co-creation of friendly and inviting places for all.
The challenge
The market square of Ylä-Malmi is a vast public space and has lacked green and social life. Featured in Helsinki’s Suburban Regeneration Program, the area is at the focus of the programme. Prior to the realization of a new square plan (2025-2026), the City of Helsinki commissioned RaivioBumann to run a placemaking project to enliven the square and increase participation. The challenge was to be met by using placemaking and implementing a modular pocket parks and seating spots as well as place activation programme.
The solution
The square was developed through placing modular seating and greenery to enable stay and interaction which reflects wishes of the citizens. Also child friendly city aspects have been highlighted: how to create more play and stay – as well as activities for the young citizens. By studying the square and its dynamics, we carefully determined the placement and functions of the modular seating areas.
The project touches upon many topics: urban nature, children’s city, market life, community building and place identity. The modular pocket parks significantly added more stay and informal gatherings. It also formed a route along the market square and supported walkability. It helped to activate the area and make it come to life.
”Placing elements of biodiversity in public space opens new corridors for natural life to reorganise itself and regain vitality. This promotes holistic well-being, from the health benefits of biodiversity transfer to improving mental health.In our study of Ylä-Malmin-Tori, we witnessed how even small-scale interventions can increase contact between people and nature and benefit from its restorative power. By strengthening nature, we strengthen society”
Damiano Cerrone, SpinUnit.
The tactical urbanism actions have served an early activation of the area and the production of place-led information. Most importantly the visible actions during the project work as a platform for interaction and increase participation, seeing the change and learning about the future changes is creating more opportunities for bottom up actions too.
The popularity of the improvements demonstrated the potential of placemaking in urban development. In the context of the renewal of a key public place, it acts as a platform for interaction between local communities and urban planners.
Outcome measurement:
The impact of the modular “pocket parks” was measured with results including:
- Children are much more present on the square
- No or very little vandalism
- More greenery has attracted more pollinators
- More spontaneous stay and various activities.
- Less drive-through, which has resulted in more safety.
- Malmi Market Day was the most active day in the summer in terms of number of visitors, a flea market and many other events took place on this day.
“Testing different design solutions and activating spaces through community events before more permanent change happens, opens a time window, during which we can gather useful information about the space and generate new ideas. I believe this approach will result not only in better end solutions but also in new local synergies that will sustain these places as lively and meaningful local spaces”
Salla Ahokas, project manager, City of Helsinki.
Urban Revival
- Enhancing attractiveness: The use of Parkly-modules as part of an ongoing placemaking process introduces elements that will shape the future identity of the renewed square.
- Project flexibility: Urban experimentation benefits from Parkly’s flexible nature. The urban experimentation project is growing organically as it develops into a formal city plan.
- Environmental and aesthetic contributions: A gardening workshop from the neighboring daycare was organized. Nurturing urban green environments deepens children’s sense of care and connection with nature.
Interested in seeing similar transformations in your area or collaborating with Parkly on a project? Get in touch!
Parkly is dedicated to making urban spaces greener, more functional, and vibrant for everyone to enjoy.
