Lahti Centre Vision 2040

Lahti’s city center had long struggled without a clear, shared vision. Previous efforts failed to gain political approval, leaving the area without the strategic direction needed to attract investors or ensure sustainable growth. In early 2023, the city sought consultancy support to craft a fresh, cohesive vision for 2040. Together with the Uusi Kaupunki Collective, we secured the project. Our role focused on facilitating dialogue, engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, and integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions into the planning process.

Inclusive interaction was central to the process. To ensure meaningful participation, we tailored engagement strategies for a wide range of groups—from politicians and entrepreneurs to families, schoolchildren, newcomers, and real estate investors. Each group was given accessible ways to contribute, reinforcing shared ownership of Lahti’s future. The process was transparent and iterative: every workshop, interview, and survey shaped the next phase. We applied participatory methods we’ve developed over time, such as Long Table Discussions and gamified newsletter questionnaires, to keep dialogue open and outcomes clearly connected to input. Urban design students from the local university brought fresh thinking and helped align the vision with Lahti’s goal of becoming a more “sticky” city—one that attracts and retains young talent. This ambition was further reinforced through international benchmarking and a keynote by Jorick Beijer of Blossity (NL), who we invited to share insights on designing cities around campus life, sports, and long-term community vitality—core themes for Lahti. Ultimately, the depth of public involvement strengthened both the vision and its legitimacy, contributing to broad political backing, including formal approval by the City Council.