Date: Monday, March 24, 2025

Time: 10:30 am

Location: Hybrid; Zoom & IWA Office, 17 N State St, Suite 1760

Presenter: Jani Jansson

Program: The role of urban planning in promoting the coexistence of humans and nature is the central theme of this lecture. The discussion will touch upon the ecological and social value of urban forests and parks, and how they enhance the living environment of cities.

In Helsinki, significant efforts have been made to invest in green spaces and communal areas that promote the coexistence of humans and nature. The ecological and social value of urban forests and parks is substantial, improving the urban living environment by providing extensive forest areas within the city. These areas serve as important recreational spaces for both people and animals.

The importance of water and shoreline areas in urban environments, storm water management and its impact on urban ecology, as well as heat islands and other undesirable climate phenomena, will also be discussed. Helsinki has several shoreline areas where nature and the city harmoniously meet.

The benefits of ecological corridors and green bridges structures for people, such as recreational areas and a healthy living environment, will also be highlighted. Helsinki has several projects that improve ecological connections and link different areas together.

About the Presenter:

Jani Jansson is an urban planner and architect currently working with the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division, specifically within the downtown team.

Jani graduated from the University of Oulu in 2004 with a specialization in community planning, which encompasses the comprehensive development of various environments, including villages, rural areas, and natural landscapes.

Prior to his current role, Jani spent over a decade as a project manager for complex real estate development projects. He also has experience as an entrepreneur, running his own architectural boutique where he designed buildings. The most notable of his designs is the Kuokkala Church, completed in 2010 following a competition win and subsequent detailed planning.

Jani has always been passionate about holistic environmental development, guided by ecological and humanistic values.

Born in 1976 in Jyväskylä, Jani spent his childhood and youth in the small industrial town of Säynätsalo, also known as the location of the summer residence of the world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto.