Sustainable Urban Design students explore climate smart development in Tampere

HAMK’s new Sustainable Urban Design degree programme had its first ever studies during the last academic year. To counter the current nightless nights and summer heat, here’s a look back at the breezy winter excursion the Sustainable Urban Design group experienced earlier this year.

The first-year Sustainable Urban Design students visited Finland’s third largest city Tampere as part of their studies in Economic Sustainability of Cities to hear more about the city’s sustainability actions and to see first-hand the necessary steps of creating new climate smart neighborhoods over existing premises.

The students got to discuss topics like the effective use of space and materials, circular economy in construction and in the refurbished use of public premises like schools. How the city of Tampere had three circular economy scenarios and a total 20 assessments looking at climate, lifespan and historical value, to decide the best use for a school building.

The city officials also showcased how climate budgeting is used as a tool for climate governance. How different sectors of city living affect greenhouse gas emissions and how climate action decisions could support monetary effects.

It’s not only about the trams and busses on the streets but how those transports are also produced elsewhere.

To take these plans to practice Sustainable Urban Design students took a local tram to visit Tampere’s Hiedanranta, an upcoming neighbourhood that’s built on the idea of public transportation, sharing economy and on the usage of old factory buildings as common areas and weather protected walkways.