Using an approach that is both collaborative and practical, Helsinki uses design to improve city life. In its efforts to create a better city, Helsinki calls on the creativity of designers to imagine innovative ways of focusing on human needs. By following this approach, Helsinki is proud to say that the city is being created through the creativity of its people.
As Creative City of Design, Helsinki will continue to develop educational opportunities related to design in the primary schools and through recreational activities.
For Helsinki, design is a strategic tool in building an open city. The availability of public information increases citizens’ understanding of their living environments. This, in turn, helps citizens become more involved in city life and allows designers and developers to use this data to create services that meet users’ needs. The city’s belief that good design should be available to everyone is illustrated in the integration of design in the local transport system through practical metro seats which were designed in collaboration with the users.