Improving public spaces in Helsinki during wintertime

Abstract

This thesis is about public spaces in Helsinki, focusing on cultivating urban life during the winter months. Unlike the vibrant public life present during the summer, public spaces in winter are mostly unavailable and consequently, public life is highly limited. Through a literature review, the study of public life is explained, and its historical background, methods, and primary focus are elaborated. Through observational research, how public spaces in winter Helsinki, particularly around the Helsinki central railway station, are used by the public is described. The research findings revealed that the streets and commercial places are the most frequently used public spaces in winter. The key argument is that because of the long wintertime, it needs to be considered thoughtfully how public life in winter has developed and how it can be improved. Through further discussion of these aspects, design ideas to help promote public life on the street and in commercial areas are suggested.