Department of Architecture

ConWa: Contested Waterfront Transformation

This project investigates the outcomes of prevailing policy ideals of social inclusion in spatial development as they face variations of increasingly financialized urban growth machines. Using urban planning studies, interpretive policy analysis and AI-driven visual methodologies in a novel way, this project focuses on recently implemented, ongoing and envisioned waterfront developments in six European cities. The waterfront (re)developments are particularly interesting contested terrains as land values are high, the conversions highly public in character, and goals and ideals of inclusion are at play. By examining these contested spaces, this project addresses the urgent question of how social inclusion is realized in Finland, the Nordic countries and Europe within the financialized urban growth machine.
A photo of the Portland Towers In Nordhavn District In Copenhagen. Photographed by Oliver Förstner.
Portland Towers in Nordhavn, Copenhagen.

Research team

 Johanna Lilius

Johanna Lilius

Senior Scientist
Johanna coordinates the project. Her research revolves around issues related to housing and urban and regional planning.
 Aurora Luukkanen

Aurora Luukkanen

Research Assistant
Aurora’s research focuses on social and environmental justice as well as the urban political economy.
 Jani Vuolteenaho

Jani Vuolteenaho

University Lecturer
Jani’s research focuses on urban redevelopment, land, and promotional policies, and related social justice issues.
  Konsta Anastasiou

Konsta Anastasiou

Research Assistant
Konsta investigates housing-related topics and is writing his Master's thesis on former social rental housing in Turku.
 Markus Laine

Markus Laine

University Lecturer
Markus' research focuses on local politics, land use planning policies, sustainable urban development and urban futures.
 Mikko Kyrönviita

Mikko Kyrönviita

Researcher
Mikko’s research focuses on the themes of grassroots activism and novel forms of collaboration in urban development.
 Salla Jokela

Salla Jokela

University Lecturer
Salla's research is on city branding, urban tourism and identity political landscapes. She has a PhD in human geography.
 Sampo Ruoppila

Sampo Ruoppila

Senior Researcher
Sampo's research focuses on changing urban ideals and the ways in which public policy influences urban development.
 Viola Schulman

Viola Schulman

Project Employee
Viola's research focuses on heritage management and its role in urban redevelopment.
A picture of the towers in Kalasatama, Helsinki. It is a cloudy day.

ConWa Blog

A blog for the ConWa research update.

Department of Architecture
The CityLife skyscrapers in Milan depicted in a colorful sunset.

Urban Politics in Spatial Development: Insights from Brussels and Milan

Veronica Conte presents her research on urban politics and spatial development via two significant cases in Brussels and Milan.

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