Hatsinanpuisto is a diverse new urban park, designed by Loci Landscape Architects, that brings nature into the heart of the city. Situated near Leppävaara train station at Espoo in the wider Helsinki metropolitan area, the site is bordered by busy roads and a railway line. The park’s design focuses on Monikonpuro, a small yet ecologically significant stream.
The design emphasises the interaction between urban structures and nature, transforming a former in-between space into a welcoming park where these elements meet and merge. Flowing water is the central theme: the landscape responds to changing water levels and seasonal cycles, thereby enhancing biodiversity and protecting the trout population. Paths, trails, and bridges enable visitors to experience the park throughout the year and under varying conditions. Floodplains are designed to stay dry during regular floods, while major floods submerge much of the park. Retaining walls protect adjacent plots and double as seating and gathering spaces, blending seamlessly into the landscape. The vegetation is selected for its tolerance of flooding and resilience in the face of a changing climate
The jury lauded: The park is exceptional in its transformation of an urban park into an integrated, climate-adaptive system. Smart micro-topography and infiltration zones buffer rainwater, while strategic planting reduces heat, enhances biodiversity and creates ecological corridors. The park is fully accessible, ensures that the climate measures are functional and engaging and has strong social value.
