Helsinki Futurabilities

A series of speculative images I made in 2023 depicting what #Helsinki could look like if it becomes a carbon-negative city in the future (around 2050/60). Conversely, I also made a series of carbon-positive images depicting how the city may develop in a business-as-usual scenario.

Carbon Negative Helsinki

In the Carbon Negative Helsinki visuals, emphasis is placed on:

• Limiting the use of new material
• Not relying on new technological fixes, instead favouring systemic change
• Encouraging active mobility
• Reducing the need for commuting by localising workplaces and services
• Housing a growing population
• Promoting urban food production
• Adapting urban infrastructure to a changing climate
• Encouraging biodiversity
• Sequestering carbon within city limits

The images are not intended to be prescriptive or considered as plans but to initiate discussion on what is possible.

This scene shows a view of the Hansasilta bridge in Itäkeskus:

Below is a street view looking toward Siilitie Metro station. This image brainstorms ways to encourage active mobility with shaded dual lanes (fast and slow) for cyclists of different ages and abilities on either side of the road.

Other ideas explored include street drainage, improved local services, biophilic building design and upward extensions to buildings with sustainable materials.

Below is a sketch for an Augmented Reality Golf course and Urban Farm. Residents can enjoy a game of golf (sans golf balls) whilst urban farmers use no-till farming methods and biochar-enhanced compost to grow crops sustainably. Also depicted are some animals that may migrate to Finland in the future.