Category Archives: Sustainability

WE WANT TO RIDE OUR BICYCLES

By Hella Hernberg | Published: 06/10/2010

From the 'Open Helsinki Bicycles' workshop by Pelago and Urban Dream Management

There has recently been a lot of talk about cycling in Helsinki. On the last weekend of September, at the Megapolis event organised by the NGO Dodo, we had the chance to listen to inspiring examples from Copenhagen. At the same time, Dodo published an initiative claiming that Helsinki should promote its citizens’ well being with a bicycling program. Definitely a good target for our coming year as World Design Capital 2012. In Helsinki, only 6% ride bikes, whereas in Oulu the number is 20, and in central Copenhagen over half of the people cycle daily. It is clear that there is a lot of untapped potential that cycling could offer for Helsinki, both from the perspective of inhabitants, business and visitors.

Before the Megapolis event, a friend of mine happened to introduce me to one of the keynote speakers, Danish bicycle ambassador Mikael Colville-Andersen, who had just been on a bicycle ride around the Kalasatama harbour. We had a cup of coffee and an interesting discussion about urban cultures and bicycles. (more…)

Also posted in Events / Exhibitions, Slow | Tagged , | Leave a comment

BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

By Kati Laakso | Published: 23/09/2010

[Brief Notes from New York #1]

The new Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the many reasons why New York should truly be considered a city committed on improving the living qualities of its inhabitants. The park is being constructed on a former industrial port area, and now gradually opening. Piers 1 and 6 of the public park have been opened this year and are already being visited by thousands of visitors. (more…)

Also posted in Brief Notes from New York, Community, Events / Exhibitions, Participation, Rethinking Design, Slow, Unfinished City | Tagged | Leave a comment

NOTES OF AN AMATEUR FARMER

By Hella Hernberg | Published: 15/09/2010

Last May, we presented the first steps of our urban agriculture project in Kalasatama – the ‘bagfarm’ organised by Dodo and put together by a group of about 30 farmers.

In the heat of last summer, our farm was proved very fertile, despite the windy weather and occasional problems with water supply. The Urban Dream Management team being amateur farmers with little previous experience, we were satisfied with this year’s crop. And after the first summer’s experience, we also got some useful knowledge of how to prepare for next year and which plants to choose. Altogether, farming in the city turned out mostly a pleasure. Most of all, the huge yield of self-grown zucchini we grew from merely two small seeds, was a miracle for a first-time farmer, and well worth the little effort. (more…)

Also posted in Community, DIY, Kalasatama Temporary, Participation, Slow, Unfinished City | Tagged , | 1 Comment

BAGFIELD IN KALASATAMA

By Hella Hernberg | Published: 26/05/2010

We have now planted our first ever urban farm! Last Sunday, Urban Dream Management took part in a project organised by Dodo: together with 35 other young farmers, we built an experimental field of gardening bags in the empty harbour of Kalasatama. During Sunday, we saw a number of different ways to carry soil: with buckets, baskets, shovels – and champagne coolers. Without much knowledge of farming, but with the love of good food and the joy of getting our hands muddy, we filled the bags, each with approx. 1000 liters of soil, and planted the first seeds and seedlings. (more…)

Also posted in Community, DIY, Kalasatama Temporary, Participation, Slow | Tagged | 5 Comments

THE QUIET REVOLUTION OF GREEN TRAVEL

By Hella Hernberg | Published: 16/04/2010

While our modes of consumption are becoming more sustainable and slow lifestyles are gaining interest, also the ways we travel are finding new forms. The cure to travel fever might be closer than you think: exploring the neighboring small town, spending a day in the forest or taking the local train to a suburb you’ve never been to. Even in long distance travel, it is possible to choose the slower and more sustainable option. Taking the train turns the journey itself part of the holiday. And, well, flying is not always even the fastest option. As a coincidence, while writing this text, the erupting Icelandic Eyjafjallajökull volcano is causing havoc and canceling all air travel in North and Central Europe. (more…)

Also posted in Rural Dream Management, Slow | 2 Comments

  • Urban Dream Management is an urban practice focusing on the creative use of space and new collective ways for creating more attractive and inspiring environments.

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