Espoo

Finland’s second-largest city has a long history. Researchers estimate that the area was populated as long as 9,000 years ago. The possibly oldest surviving building in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area – a medieval stone church from the 1490s – is here.

Today Espoo is known as a youthful and dynamic urban growth area that has again and again demonstrated its ability to renew itself, making skilful use of the latest technological innovations and visions.

Taking part in the World Design Capital brings opportunities for Espoo to develop its urban culture and the services offered by the city. The scientific community, Finnish and international businesses and lively culture of Espoo will all benefit from the effects of the World Design Capital initiative.

Espoo sees urban planning as an opportunity to achieve things whose effects will reach far into the future, from one generation to the next. Urban development in Espoo will focus on the axis Otaniemi–Keilaniemi–Tapiola, significant in terms of the entire Helsinki Metropolitan Area, where the T3 Project (Tiede [Science] = Otaniemi, Taide [Art] = Tapiola, Talous [Finance] = Keilaniemi) will strive to generate meaningful innovations. The Keilaniemi business district contains the headquarters of many large corporations, including Nokia, Fortum, Neste Oil and Kone.

Design has always been an essential part of urban planning in Espoo. Architect Alvar Aalto left an indelible mark on the city; for example the Otaniemi campus and Aalto University’s library and main building were designed by Aalto. Otaniemi is also home to the TKK Dipoli conference centre, the Innopoli business incubator, several units of the VTT Technical Research Centre and the Design Factory, where new uses are constantly being found for design.

Espoo offers experiences for both body and soul. The Tapiola garden city is known for its architecture, music and art. The WeeGee Exhibition Centre and its five museums, EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, KAMU – the Espoo City Museum, the Helinä Rautavaara Museum, the Finnish Museum of Horology and the Finnish Toy Museum, offer diverse exhibitions for the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike. Espoo has also taken part in organising many international sporting events.

Espoo has everything that a nature-lover could wish for – untouched wilderness just a stone’s throw away and stunning seaside and archipelago environments. Espoo is a good place to be.