In addition to future buildings, traffic and a park, a sense of community and identity were of interest at the Tietäjä area residents’ event
On 16 September 2025, we organised a resident event. At the beginning of the event, participants walked through the Tietäjä area. The evening continued with presentation of the Tietäjä area’s plans and discussions at tables with planners, experts, and project representatives. A member of the City Planning Committee and a member of the City Board were also present to and spoke with the participants at the event. The plan’s resident event attracted more than 50 participants to the Laurea University of Applied Sciences.
The Tietäjä area will develop a great deal in the coming years. Following the amendments to the detailed plan, many properties are undergoing changes and being converted to housing. Tietäjä will also get a new block park and a new day-care centre.
Please see below for an interview held after the event with Aino Kuusimäki, the main coordinator of the plan.
What aspects of the Tietäjä area’s planning were of most interest to residents?
The participants commented on things such as the placement of the buildings in the area, their height and general design. Residents were also concerned about traffic. In particular, congestion and traffic safety on the Tietäjäntie and Metsänneidonkuja roads raised concerns. In addition, residents hoped that the current pedestrian and cycling routes would be preserved.
Residents were pleased with the location of the park and the point-blocks presented in the plans. Residents felt that the open views through the blocks and the spaciousness between the current and future residential buildings were positive.
The topic of communality emerged several times in the discussions. The participants asked how city planning can support the formation of a sense of community in a new residential area. The city replied that the planning of the park and its integration with residential blocks supports encounters between residents. The planning of a park, walkways and squares are key issues in the planning of public spaces in the area. Residents were also interested in how children and seniors would be taken into account in the planning of the residential area.
There was much talk about lush green surroundings and a pleasant street environment. Trees along roads are important to residents and those passing through the area.
People pondered about the area’s future identity: what will the Tietäjä area be like in the future? The area has been field, then an office area and is now becoming more of a residential area. Some residents felt that as the area is based in Tapiola, the planning principles complied with in Tapiola’s nationally valuable man-made cultural environment (RKY) should also be implemented in the new area.
What was the atmosphere like at the event?
Participants at the event seemed to be in a chipper mood. People asked critical and good questions. Participants were delighted at the event to see a turning 3D model on the large screen and on which the new buildings and green areas were modelled. The residents welcomed the model as it helped them understand what the region could look like in the future.
What to know about the Tietäjä area.
The Tietäjä area will become a versatile area that will support the surrounding area vitality. The area will include a park, a day-care centre and apartments for approximately 1,500 new residents.
Traffic arrangements will be clarified. Parking will be centred in parking facilities, and the large parking area at the front of Spektri will be converted into a park and residential plots. If the plans progress just about in their current form, in which parking facilities would be accessed from Valkjärventie and Metsänpojankuja, traffic through Metsänneidonkuja to the Spektri parking area will be reduced.
Some of the area’s existing buildings will also be demolished. Demand for office properties in the area has decreased, and it is visible in the Tietäjä area’s empty offices spaces. These office buildings will now be demolished to make way for new residential buildings.
Did the city receive any other greetings?
The city received praise for organising the event and people said they would like to see similar events take place in the future. The general feeling was that the plan had been developed in a good direction, and the residents had a positive attitude towards planning.
View the Tietäjä area’s plans
You can view the Tietäjä area’s plans and follow their development on the Development of Tietäjä web pages, and information will also be provided in the City of Espoo's plan announcements.
What else is currently happening in Espoo’s city planning?
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