Paciuksenkatu, Helsinki

Located at Paciuksenkatu 29 in Helsinki, next to McDonald's Meilahti, a recently renovated courtyard demonstrates how even a compact urban space can transform the atmosphere of its surroundings. Nestled between modern office buildings, the courtyard combines planting areas, generous greenery, and inviting seating to create a place where people can enjoy a calmer side of the city.

We contributed to the project with several NAANTALI benches as well as custom planters that help define the new green space. Finished with bright orange steel sides, the benches create a lively visual accent that complements the planting and brings lively warmth to the surroundings.

The project reveals another side of the NAANTALI collection. While often associated with parks, waterfronts, and residential environments, its restrained design language and durable construction allow it to integrate just as naturally into dense urban settings. The combination of solid timber and a robust steel frame creates furniture that is both elegant and practical, designed to withstand everyday public use while adding character to its surroundings.

Projects like this show that meaningful public spaces do not need to be large. Thoughtfully placed greenery, comfortable seating, and careful landscape design can turn even a small courtyard into a place that people actively choose to use. At Paciuksenkatu, the result is a welcoming urban oasis where nature and contemporary architecture come together in balance.