ILPI

Urbanization has been steadily increasing in Finland for a long time. For urbanization to happen in a sustainable manner, it should be based on climate-smart densification of existing urban structures and recognition of the impact potential of individual plots.

By 2022, 73 percent of Finns already lived in cities and urban densification has also affected suburban areas. Reduction in plot sizes, maximizing floor areas and increasing the number of driveway and parking spaces have significantly reduced greenery. The Climate-resilient suburban areas (ILPI) project aims to find thresholds for densification that preserve vegetation in suburban areas.

The project explores the suitability of three urban planning tools to guide the ecological nature of suburban areas: green coefficients, limits on impermeable surfaces, and the 3-30-300 guideline. The method involves block-level typology developments. The impact of individual plots is studied in collaboration with our partner cities of Pori and Joensuu.

Results will be utilized in expert workshops and, ultimately, in the formulation of national guidelines.

Why suburban areas?

Suburban areas form the foundation for sustainable urban planning:

• Adaptation to climate change (stormwater management, mitigating the urban heat island effect)
• Mitigation of climate change (maximizing carbon sinks and storages in yards)
• Slowing biodiversity loss (building and preserving biodiversity)

Target group

City organizations
Actors involved in urban planning or urban ecology and the cycling of flows (water, nutrients and carbon) in landscape forms.

Residents
Implementers and stakeholders of resident participation in suburban areas, as well as builders of residential plots, prefabricated house manufacturers and construction companies

Operating area

During the project phase Joensuu and Pori – the practices will be expanded nationwide.