Jatta Lahtinen

Spatial planning has always fascinated me – I even used to draw aerial views of towns and cities on paper as a child. Well-planned environments can improve people’s quality of life.

I am happy to have chosen the Master’s Programme in Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering. Courses have been interesting and varied and as a hands-on type of person I have especially enjoyed the ways in which Aalto University combines theory with practice.

Studio courses provide an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in actual planning assignments. I think the programme’s blend of spatial planning and transportation is a real benefit, as the two are inseparable in municipal and regional planning.

Through my studies I’ve also made important connections with potential employers – my first job in the field can be traced back to a course organised in collaboration with the City of Helsinki.

The Helsinki area is very interesting from a city planner’s point of view. It used to have one of the most dispersed city structures in Europe, but the new city plan aims to make it denser, for example by creating city boulevards. New rail connections are also being considered, as is a tunnel between Helsinki and Tallinn. Many changes are coming over the next few decades.

The Aalto community is warm and welcoming. Otaniemi is like a small village full of people and life. Coming back here is always a treat.