"We look forward to opportunities where researchers and municipal decision-makers can engage in dialogue related to the municipality's concrete development projects. It is important that the development of cities and municipalities takes into account fresh perspectives from various scientific fields, on topics such as sustainability, growth, and housing," says Mari Vaattovaara, Director of the Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies (Urbaria).
Concrete forms of cooperation between the Municipality of Vihti and researchers from the University of Helsinki will include, among other things, Science Sparring sessions launched by Urbaria. These sessions are opportunities where researchers and decision-makers can engage in confidential and equal, facilitated discussions on current issues and projects that are of concern to the city. "We are very pleased with the long-term cooperation with the University of Helsinki. It will play a key role in the development of the municipality and in strengthening the vitality of Vihti in the coming years. Vihti has an excellent location next to the capital region, and the cooperation brings the university closer to the residents," says the Mayor of Vihti, Erkki Eerola.
As a first step in promoting cooperation between the Municipality of Vihti and the University of Helsinki, the Urban Geography: Growth, Housing, and Planning course was organized for master's students studying geography in November–December 2024. The Vihti Challenge, developed by the Urban Research Institute Urbaria, covered most of the course content. As part of the course, students familiarized themselves with the book "Towards more sustainable residential areas : indicators of neighbourhood and block sustainability," published by Urbaria in 2024, and conducted field research related to the Municipality of Vihti and its goals using the sustainability indicators presented in the book.
The students were divided into three groups, one of which conducted field research in the capital region, while the other two conducted research in Nummela, Vihti. The group operating in the capital region collected survey interviews based on the research of Professor Mari Vaattovaara, Director of Urbaria, to find out what attracts highly educated students to the capital region. The second group operating in Nummela interviewed Nummela residents about their perceived quality of the living environment, based on the research of Professor Marketta Kyttä. The third group tested the neighborhood cohesion indicator developed by Professor Arto O. Salonen in four different neighborhoods in Nummela. Each group analyzed their research results and wrote extensive written reports based on them. The students' interesting research results were presented to the Municipal Manager and the Director of Vitality of Vihti at a seminar concluding the course at the University of Helsinki on December 9, 2024. The essays written by the students have now been published as an e-book on Urbaria's website.