Malmi Meadow Park presents an alternative vision for the redevelopment of Helsinki’s decommissioned Malmi Airport and its surrounding neighborhoods. The design prioritizes ecological conservation while accommodating sustainable growth through compact, mixed-use urban districts. This approach balances Helsinki’s ambitions as a progressive capital city with the preservation of its critical meadow habitats.

At the heart of the proposal is a 140-hectare park, enhanced through ecological conservation, material reuse, and habitat restoration. The former airfield’s concrete runways are deconstructed and repurposed to create novel habitats, including calcareous meadows, wetlands, and microclimates that support endangered and near-threatened species. These interventions anchor the park as a key ecological link in Helsinki’s Green Fingers and Meadow Network.

Key design features include:

• Repurposed Runways: Deconstructed concrete is reused to create features like walls, piles, and fractures that enhance habitat diversity and ecological function.
• Integrated Civic and Cultural Spaces: The reimagined historic terminal and hangar house maker spaces, an aviation museum, and an environmental education center.
• Dynamic Recreation Areas: Playgrounds, sports fields, hiking and ski trails, and a multi-use promenade are organized using the graphic and material language of airports.
• Sustainable Urban Development: Mixed-use districts prioritize pedestrian and bike circulation, public spaces, and diverse housing types while enhancing connectivity to the park.

The phased development ensures connectivity, with Phase 1 linking a proposed tram station to a signature park and boulevard system. Later phases expand residential and commercial facilities while preserving ecological functions and prioritizing sustainability at every step. Malmi Meadow Park exemplifies how thoughtful design can intertwine biodiversity conservation with urban living, offering Helsinki a unique and enduring asset.