The Port-City Interaction in Helsinki: acting on the different levels of the interface

Satu Aatra, Planning Manager at Port of Helsinki As several experts have pointed out before, the port-city interface is not just the physical boundary between port and city, but it can be considered more complex, considering the broader effects that port activities can have in the urban environment and the citizens. In this article by Satu Aatra from the Port Authority of Helsinki, we learn how the port is managing the different elements that form the complex port-city interface in the Finnish capital. The Port of Helsinki has harbours in the city centre and Vuosaari cargo harbour in the eastern part of the city. City centre harbours serve both passenger and cargo connections and the cargo harbour mainly freight traffic. Harbour locations in the city centre have a historical resonance and a strong legacy: Helsinki was founded as a port city in 1550 and some of the current city centre harbours have been in active use since the 19th century. The city has, however, grown and become denser and at the same time the international urban trend of transferring harbours to the outskirts of cities has extended to Helsinki as well. The port gave out vast land areas in central Helsinki in exchange for Vuosaari cargo harbour which was opened in 2008, and has also since been decreasing harbour land areas in the heart of the city. Finland depends on maritime connections and vessel and landside traffic infrastructure are essential for the economic and logistic network of port, businesses and transnational travel. In the Port of Helsinki, annually approximately 12 million passengers pass through the port on their business and leisure trips. West Harbour T2 ©Port of Helsinki Ports have in many respects a human, built as well as environmental interface with the city and the wider society. Ports, as a spatial gateway between the city and the journey and often the first and the last view of the city, can be imagined as a business card of the urban space: what impression it gives, how it functions and how welcoming it is. Human Interface The economic, social and cultural interface could be referred to as the human interface, because the human activities and well-being are in the focus of life. Urban life is formed by the people, activities and built environment. The port and city human interface consists and creates a network of local, national and international connections, businesses and services which are connected to and supported by each other. In many ways it is like an invisible interface, yet it operates in the background and can be perceived as part of an active and lively city. Economic activities are also part of the social interface e.g. through tax revenue and by generating possibilities for service providers and job creation. Through the port passenger and visitor flow also the city culture can be diversified. In Helsinki, the port creates international connections between different actors within the Helsinki metropolitan area and beyond. Additionally, the port has recognized the immaterial human perspective by building connections with local companies and inhabitants to create new activities and reciprocal acceptance and understanding to get an extensive picture of commonality. Helsinki metropolitan area is the fastest growing…