Sweco Helsinki – shaping the city’s next chapter
Helsinki is growing, densifying and renewing – along the shoreline, among historic blocks and in developing outer areas. The city never stands still. This is where historic urban fabric, major infrastructure investments and climate targets meet. In this kind of environment, projects are rarely simple: they are complex wholes in which expertise from different disciplines is tightly interwoven.
Sweco’s Helsinki office brings together experts in the built environment, infrastructure, project management and construction, sustainability and resilience consulting, energy and industry around the same table. Sweco also offers services for housing companies. Our strong local presence and knowledge are combined with a broad Nordic and international network.
Helsinki as an operating environment
In Helsinki, design and construction take place in the middle of a living city: among city blocks, transport networks and the rhythm of everyday life.
Infill development in the inner city, the expansion of rail transport and the renewal of coastal areas are closely connected. Technical design, the quality of public space and environmental impacts also often go hand in hand.
Sweco Helsinki: expert solutions for a growing urban environment
Buildings and urban development: one block at a time, with the bigger picture in mind
In Helsinki, construction happens in a dense environment. Infill development, changes of use and the renewal of the building stock shape the city layer by layer. The work combines, among other things, technical precision, an understanding of the cityscape and long-term planning. Sweco is a leading professional in project management and construction procurement in the real estate, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.
Industry, energy and environment: Power for a growing city
Energy and environmental solutions are linked to the city’s climate targets and growing energy demand. Projects consider, for example, energy efficiency, the potential of renewable energy and the management of environmental impacts as part of broader development.
Infrastructure and transport: On rails, streets and cycle routes
Mobility and transport solutions in Helsinki are constantly evolving. New rail connections, street network renewals and intelligent transport systems affect the functionality of the entire capital region. Infrastructure planning takes into account traffic flow, safety and the well-being of nature and people.
Architecture: Form and meaning for the cityscape
Architecture plays a significant role in shaping the cityscape. Design considers the area’s history, scale and intended use. Our projects range from public buildings to residential blocks and commercial premise as well as industry.
Landscape architecture and land use: Nature as part of the city
Landscape architecture and land-use planning bring together urban space, natural processes and people’s everyday needs. Sweco’s experts design green areas and open spaces that support both ecological sustainability and comfort as part of the urban structure. Services include zoning and strategic land-use planning, landscape studies and landscape impact assessments.
Sustainability and resilience consulting:Sustainability thinking is not an add-on
Cities’ targets and evolving regulation set requirements for assessing emissions, environmental impacts and sustainability. In projects, sustainability topics are part of our design work from the very beginning.
Project management and construction services helps to implement the plans
A project must be managed so that the final result meets its objectives, does not exceed the planned costs, and is ready for use when needed. This requires strong expertise in project management and construction procurement.
Examples of our projects in Helsinki – we contribute to both large and smaller projects!
From Kalasatama to Pasila – a tramway connecting the city
Helsinki’s new tramway Kalasatama–Pasila project includes an approximately 4.5 km rail connection linking Kalasatama, the Kumpula campus and central Pasila. We played a significant role in the planning of infrastructure and urban space as part of the Sörkän spora alliance, responsible for e.g. street and traffic planning, municipal engineering and environmental solutions. The tramway was completed on schedule and under budget.
Kanavaranta 1 landmark building renewed
Designed by Alvar Aalto, Kanavaranta 1 by Market Square is one of Helsinki’s best-known landmark buildings. Our project management and construction management experts played a key role in the development: the former headquarters was transformed into a modern multi-use property for multiple tenants. The project took into account the building’s historical value and modern energy requirements.
Katajanokan Laituri: a gem of timber construction
Katajanokan Laituri received the 2024 RIL Award, which is granted to high-quality and innovative building or engineering work. We served as the structural designer for the project and were responsible for the production design of timber elements and steel structures. This architecturally striking office and hotel development is located in a prime spot in central Helsinki and is an example of the future of timber construction.
We also design smaller projects
We also work on smaller projects and design, for example, pipe renovations for housing companies, urban spaces, or building services solutions for different environments.
Explore our projects:
The Sweco Helsinki team
Sweco operates in Helsinki as part of a broad national and international network of experts. Our local unit works closely across disciplines, enabling us to provide holistic insight and solutions even for demanding projects.
Sweco Ilmala – Helsinki office
Ilmalantori 4, 00240 Helsinki
Are you planning a project in Helsinki?
Get in touch with our Helsinki experts and let’s discuss how we can support you.