Urban planning and social approach to teaching
Millennium Youth Camp coach and University of Helsinki’s Professor of Urban Geography Mari Vaattovaara has won the J.V. Snellman Award for outstanding efforts to disseminate scholarly knowledge.
“Social ideas and interaction are an integral part of my research team’s work. We aim to identify and explore current phenomena,” says Professor Mari Vaattovaara from Department of Geosciences and Geography.
In her research, Vaattovaara has analysed the differentiation and competitiveness of cities, immigration, and land use and zoning. The results of her projects have provided new knowledge for regional, urban, suburban and neighbourhood planning. Of key importance are close relationships with such interest groups as public administration, the leadership of cities and provinces, and business.
“My colleagues in the United States and Europe look in wonder at the way in which Finnish scholars are invited to participate in public debate. We Finns have a long tradition of collaboration between the academic community, public decision makers and the private sector,” Vaattovaara points out.
She has also adopted a social approach to her teaching. Students receive empirical assignments based on ongoing research projects. The outcome of the group work may be an entirely new study.
“Students find it exciting to present the results of their coursework to leading city officials or council members. I find it important that students can build networks with the wider community as part of their studies,” Vaattovaara notes.
Applying theories to urban planning
Vaattovaara challenges the distinction between theoretical research and practice.
“I do not see a conflict between the classical academic tradition and the social applicability of research results: nothing is as useful as a good theory to explain a phenomenon,” Vaattovaara stresses.
Theories can be used to deconstruct and analyse a practical problem, which can provide new perspectives for political discussion as well.
“A good example is the concept of metropolisation, on which international research is extensive. The results and theories can also explain developments in the Helsinki region and challenge the interpretations presented in local discussion,” Vaattovaara says.
When challenging dominant ways of thinking, the relationship with interest groups may become tense.
“But we should not be afraid of such tensions; instead we should recognise and work on them by continuing the discussion. Good networks and trusting relationships also take us through conflicts,” Vaattovaara notes.
Mari Vattovaara is the chair of Millennium Youth Camp’s Urban Planning theme group. She was interviewed for the Helsinki University News. Read the whole article by Katja Bargum.
