Summer course on Urban Design in Helsinki - Designing Good Life
Step into the role of an urban designer and explore how cities shape the way we live. Through hands-on fieldwork, creative exercises, and real-world case studies, you'll uncover what makes a city thrive. Helsinki is your playground—are you ready to reimagine urban life?
Image: Jussi Hellsten / Helsinki Partners
How does urban design shape the way we live? In this immersive summer course, you’ll explore the fundamentals of urban design and planning through hands-on methods in the vibrant city of Helsinki. Combining fieldwork, creative exercises, and Nordic urban studies, this experience will deepen your understanding of what makes cities livable and how public spaces contribute to a "good life." The city itself becomes your classroom!
During this course, you will explore:
After this course, you will:
Throughout this course, you will gain knowledge through:
YOU AND THE CITY
Before beginning our journey into urban design and how city environments shape our lives, we want to learn more about you - your experiences, interests, and relationship with the city!
Take a moment to reflect on your personal connection to the city or urban environments. You can think about a city where you are from, your current place of residence, or cities more generally. Then, create a short piece to share your thoughts. This can be a written story (200–300 words, can be longer if you want) or a simple slideshow (up to 5 slides).
Tell us about:
You can include pictures, sketches, or key moments—whatever helps you express your perspective. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to approach this task; just be honest and creative!
Submit your pre-task to the course mentor, Jalmari Sarla at jalmari.sarla [at] metropolia.fi (jalmari[dot]sarla[at]metropolia[dot]fi) by July 31, 2025
Isoisänsiltä - Kalasatama
Image: Beatrice Bucht / Helsinki Partners
Oodi Library
Image: Tuomas Uusheimo/ Helsinki Partners
Löyly Sauna
Image: Pekka Keranen / Helsinki Partners
Central Railway Station
Image: Beatrice Bucht/ Helsinki Partners
| Week 1 | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 11 Aug | Lecture - Introduction to Urban Design and Planning | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Tue 12 Aug | Lecture - The Social Life of Public Spaces | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Wed 13 Aug | Lecture - Space, Place, and Identity | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Thu 14 Aug | Lecture - Creative Methods for Urban Research | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Fri 15 Aug | Field Trip & Exercises | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Week 2 | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 18 Aug | Lecture - Urban Design and The Environment | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Tue 19 Aug | Lecture - Designing for Inclusivity and Accessibility | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Wed 20 Aug | Lecture - Nordic Urbanism: A Helsinki Perspective | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Thu 21 Aug | Lecture - Designing for the Good Life | Field Trip & Exercises |
| Fri 22 Aug | Final Discussions & Feedback | Final Discussion & Feedback |
Limited Spots Available – Maximum number of participants is 25!
🔗 Apply Now – Don't Miss Out! - Apply now in Eventilla
Important: The minimum number of participants is 15. Metropolia Summer School reserves the right to cancel the course if an insufficient number of students register. In this case, participants will be notified immediately after the registration period closes.
1. Choose Your Course & Register: Visit the course page and click the specific registration link for your chosen course. Fill out the registration form carefully.
2. Complete Pre-Assignment: Submit a personal reflection on "You and the City".
3. Await Final Confirmation: You will receive an acceptance email no later than April 11, 2025.
4. Secure Your Spot: Pay the course fee within the deadline mentioned in your acceptance email.
5. Plan Your Trip: Arrange visa & travel (see Travel Tips below).
Need Help? Contact us for any questions regarding the process.
Course Fees: 2 510 € (incl. VAT 25,5%)
Metropolia does not provide dorms, but here are some options:
Find Roommates:
After tuition payment, you’ll receive access to our Accommodation Forum to find flatmates and share costs.
Check accommodation options:
From Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Metropolia Campus or City Center:
Train (Recommended)
Bus
Taxi / Ride-hailing
Plan your route with HSL Journey Planner.
Public Transport (HSL)
1. Book flights early for lower prices.
2. Arrange travel insurance before departure.
3. Check currency exchange & payment options (credit cards are widely accepted).
4. Download key apps:
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is Finland’s largest and most international university of applied sciences, offering world-class education, modern learning environments, and strong industry connections. With a focus on innovation and hands-on learning, Metropolia prepares students for the future.
Arabia Culture Campus in Helsinki is a vibrant urban arena for ideas and stories.
Welcome to Helsinki – Europe’s Hidden Gem! This vibrant capital blends bold innovation with breathtaking nature, making it the perfect playground for curious minds. Here, you’ll experience world-class education in a city known for its tech startups, sustainability, and student-friendly vibe. Whether you're soaking in the midnight sun by the Baltic Sea, exploring cutting-edge design and technology, or enjoying the world’s best work-life balance, Helsinki is where your learning adventure begins!
Why You Should Come To Helsinki
Image: Aleksi Poutanen / Helsinki Partners
Jalmari Sarla is an urban designer and researcher dedicated to exploring the human experience in cities. With a design background and advanced degrees in Urban Studies and Planning and European and Nordic Studies (ongoing) at the University of Helsinki, he combines his multidisciplinary expertise in placemaking, urban planning, social sciences, and ethnography to address contemporary urban challenges. As an educator and entrepreneur, Jalmari empowers students and communities through bridging urban studies, design thinking, and participatory methods.
Join his course to explore how thoughtful urban design can shape more just, livable, and engaging cities!
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Image: Svante Gullichsen / Helsinki Partners
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Image: Svante Gullichsen / Helsinki Partners
