Mise à jour le 13 April 2026
With 7000 inhabitants/km2, Singapore is the world’s densest state. In addition to the rapid verticalization that occurred in Singapore after its independence in 1965, and to the reclamation of land from the sea, the lion city now invests in its underground spaces as it seeks new land resources. A challenge that Helsinki has embraced as well, with an aim to integrate the underground into the wider city planning. Rikhard Manninen, Head of Urban Planning at the City of Helsinki and Alistair Sim, Regional Director Asia Pacific at Soletanche Bachy, share Helsinki and Singapore’s experiences.
In its latest masterplan, Helsinki plans to transform its urban highways into urban boulevards, hoping they will become genuine living places within the next ten years. Rikhard Manninen, Head of Urban Planning at the City of Helsinki tells us more about this initiative.