Helsinki to change more than other European metropolises

“Over the next ten years, Helsinki is likely to see more changes than any other major European metropolis,” says Helsinki Mayor Jussi Pajunen. “There will be significant shifts in both demography and the city structure.”

According to Mayor Pajunen, the Helsinki region is dynamic and will grow fast. Especially the re-development of former harbour and other waterfront sites will transform Helsinki’s cityscape a great deal. Another major influence will be Aalto University, which will integrate the academic fields of economics, art, design and technology in the region. 

The designation as the World Design Capital 2012 bears a major significance for Helsinki. Mayor Pajunen calls this designation a pivotal moment.

He says that design can be used as a tool in many areas, and it holds a great deal of unused potential. Design can be applied in everyday decision making to benefit all people in Helsinki.