Sustainable urban regeneration: The use of participatory planning approach in the urban regeneration of Sinimäki area, Espoo, Finland.

Abstract

The idea of citizen participation as an approach to sustainable urban regeneration had been in contention since the 1960s. The discussions were further triggered by the lack of confidence in the old top-down governance approach, absence of downward transparency and accountability, growing environmental, social decay, and the pressures associated with 19th-century industrialization. This approach involves citizen participation in creating new urban spaces brings about equilibrium between the roles of citizens and the urban designers. Achieving a sustainable urban regeneration has proven to be an uphill and complex task that requires a multi-integrated approach to include all stakeholders that are affected or being affected by the urban change. In other to safeguard her future, the City of Espoo, the fastest-growing city in Finland with a current population of 285, 000 has taken it upon itself to find a solution to its long- and short-term economic prospects through sustainable regeneration. Thus, this thesis aims to contribute to the knowledge of sustainability in the context of urban renewal, looking at a case study from Sinimäki. The research will further enlighten the challenges and potentials of the Sinimäki area, which will better help decision-makers and urban planners make more informed decisions for a better future.

The findings of this research will complement prior studies; however, it elaborates the need for a participatory planning approach for sustainable urban regeneration in the Sinimäki project and how project conditions impact regeneration processes. In this context, the participatory methods and procedures that were utilized in acquiring inputs from stakeholders and how the inputs were used are detailed. As a result of the reviewed works of literature, a practical process model framework will be used to analyse all inputs. This research aims not to focus on or achieve a result but to kickstart instead and document a sustainable regeneration process for Sinimäki.