This study examines the enduring legacy of Eliel Saarinen’s boulevard concept, originally proposed in his 1918 Greater Helsinki Project, and its influence on Helsinki’s urban planning over the past century. Although the boulevard was never realized, Saarinen’s vision was instrumental in the city’s development, setting a precedent for subsequent urban design initiatives. Through analysis of a series of urban plans from the early 20th century to the present, this article traces the sociopolitical dynamics that have continuously redefined Helsinki’s urban landscape. Examining both the realized and the unrealized designs, the study demonstrates how Saarinen’s ideas have been adapted, contested, and ultimately integrated into the city’s spatial organization. The article offers a deeper understanding of Helsinki’s urban planning history, providing insights into the interplay between visionary design and practical implementation in shaping contemporary cities.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31577/archandurb.2025.59.1-2.6
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