Helsinki - by the canal

This is a view of new housing development in Helsinki. I had spotted it from our hotel window (describing the hotel as ?seaside? was a little ambitious ? we had a lovely view of the docks, though I have to confess it was fascinating) and went to explore.

This is how to do urban housing. Modern flats, virtually all with balconies. Secure bike stores on the ground floor. Layout very much focussed not on cars but on pedestrians, cyclists and ? of course ? boats. Lots of green space and hard surfaces, all being well used by children and families. Shops, cafes and bars sprinkled along the canal side, with people chatting in the sun. It was very impressive. I would live there.