City planning aims at creating a good city
The city is constantly changing. The aim of city planning is to anticipate and steer this change.
The city is a complex, ever-evolving entity. Residents, services and jobs come and go. More and more Finns live in cities, and migration brings people to the capital region. Thus, we need more apartments and services. The ways in which people move around, work, shop and spend their leisure time are under constant change.
Through city planning, we can steer the development of the city. We anticipate long-term changes and respond to current needs. Planning also helps us preserve valuable environments, such as recreational and natural areas and cultural environments.
Cooperation and coordination
A good city has many qualities.
There are housing options for different life situations and preferences.
City districts are distinctive and vibrant, pleasant and safe.
Services and jobs are available across the city.
Nature is diverse, and residents can live close to recreational areas.
The history and culture of the city are valued and they give the region a unique identity.
Moving around the city is easy and safe regardless of the mode of transport.
The urban environment offers opportunities for sustainable lifestyles and choices.
The goal of city planning is to have the city function as a whole. This means coordinating different perspectives and objectives, which requires diverse knowledge and cooperation. The City Planning Department employs professionals from different fields, such as architects, engineers, landscape architects, traffic planning engineers and other experts.
A land use plan is always prepared by a multi-professional group that cooperates with experts and authorities in different fields as well as residents and other interested parties. Residents have the kind of knowledge and experience of their local environment that planners or experts do not have.
Objectives of city planning
City planning in Espoo is based on the Land Use and Building Act. According to the act, the objective of city planning is to:
ensure that the use of land and water areas and building activities on them create preconditions for a favourable living environment;
promote ecologically, economically, socially and culturally sustainable development;
ensure that everyone has the right to participate in the preparation process;
ensure high-quality and interactive planning, comprehensive expertise and open communication.
Source: Ministry of the Environment
