Temporary use of buildings rises in Helsinki metropolitan area amidst demolition threats

Temporary use of buildings under threat of demolition or sitting idle is rapidly increasing in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Spaces such as the Kera Halls in Espoo, the old Myyrinpuhos shopping center in Vantaa, and Lapinlahti Hospital in Helsinki have long been utilized by small businesses, event organizers, artists, and other creative sectors. These properties have subtly transformed into significant temporary cultural hubs.

Recent additions include the old Vuosaari high school, the Kupla cultural space in Tapiola, the former nursing school in Meilahti, and the old Anttila department store in Kerava. A recent exhibition titled “Wonderland X” was installed in the abandoned Anttila location, showcasing artwork in a unique setting.

Utilizing vacant buildings has been a part of Helsinki’s development for years, but demand for affordable creative workspaces has intensified, especially as environmental awareness grows. According to Antti Halm, head of the Special Facilities Unit in Helsinki, the trend reflects a broader realization of the value of temporary uses in real estate.

Historically, many in the property sector viewed buildings awaiting demolition as worthless, but this perspective is shifting. Benefits extend beyond economic factors to ecological concerns and community welfare. Extending a building’s lifespan is generally more sustainable than demolition, and various studies suggest that art and culture can address complex health challenges.

Longtime city activist Jaakko Blomberg notes a growing interest from municipalities in supporting and planning temporary use of properties. Projects that might have faced resistance in the past are now gaining traction, with initiatives like Tapiola’s Kupla stemming from city government outreach.

While temporary uses are often short-term, as illustrated by ongoing activities in the Kera Halls since 2020, property owners are starting to acknowledge the cultural and social value of these initiatives. The City of Helsinki has also embraced a strategy that accounts for the needs of businesses and cultural actors in developing temporary uses.