In January 2023, the City of Helsinki organized two participatory workshops using UrbanistAI, involving a Citizen Committee and local entrepreneurs. This initiative was part of the city’s plan to close three central streets to car traffic during the summer months, aiming to gather public and business input on potential street uses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT:

Participants in both events were divided into small groups, working collaboratively to create multiple alternative visions for the streets. Utilizing the UrbanistAI platform, they visualized and designed various concepts. This interactive process culminated in the selection of favorite designs, which were then discussed in a joint session with city planners and participants.

Notably, the creative ideas generated during these sessions were later incorporated into the actual street design, allowing participants to witness their visions realized in the summer of 2023. Jani Päivänen, Planning Manager at Sweco and workshop moderator, praised the process as insightful and groundbreaking.

TAKEAWAYS

The transformation of Helsinki’s central streets in the summer of 2023, driven by the community’s vision, showcases the power of participatory planning in urban design. Through UrbanistAI, the City of Helsinki not only redefined these urban spaces but also reinforced the importance of involving community stakeholders in shaping their living environments. The realization of workshop ideas into actual urban design marked a significant achievement in collaborative city planning.

• The workshops provided an innovative platform for residents and local business owners to actively contribute to the redesign of their urban environment.
• UrbanistAI facilitated a collaborative and democratic design process, integrating diverse perspectives into the city’s planning.
• The direct inclusion of feedback and ideas from these sessions into the final street design showcased a practical application of participatory urban planning.