Otaniemi
Known for its student activities, Otaniemi was selected as District of the Year 2023. In fact, the local student culture and related traditions played a key role in the selection of the winner. Otaniemi won the competition as local residents submitted a record number of carefully reasoned proposals describing the district’s warm community spirit and down-to-earth atmosphere.
Otaniemi’s greatest asset in this year’s competition was the way it cherishes its intangible cultural heritage. Especially through spring and May Day celebrations, almost the entire capital region comes into contact with the traditions that students maintain and promote with pride. The decades-old traditions of the district and its people remain but also evolve and change over time.
“Being named District of the Year is a great honour for Otaniemi and everyone here,” says Ida Parkkinen, Chair of the Aalto University Student Union Board. According to her, the fact that students have been living in Otaniemi for a long time shows everywhere in the area. Year after year, new generations of students have continued to develop a unique student culture that enriches not only the lives of those in Otaniemi but also of people in the surrounding areas.
Metro and Aalto architecture
Otaniemi is traditionally known for Aalto University, the campus area and students. In recent years, however, the district’s public image has become more diverse. In addition to the world-renowned architecture, valuable cultural environment and diverse local nature, Otaniemi has workplaces, schools, services and public transport connections – in other words, the basic elements of everyday life. The district’s cultural diversity is a natural part of the lively community.
“For me, Otaniemi has been an important and beloved campus area. Otaniemi definitely deserves this award, and I am very happy about this recognition,” says Mayor Jukka Mäkelä, who graduated from Aalto University’s predecessor, the Helsinki University of Technology, in 1992.
Otaniemi took a major leap forward with the construction of the West Metro. Mäkelä adds that the new centre developed around the metro entrance and Aalto’s traditional architecture create a wonderful environment.
“Otaniemi is a district with a unique spirit. People here believe in working together and a sense of community. They also believe that future challenges can be solved through bold and radical creativity. It is the butterfly effect of Otaniemi,” Mäkelä says.