In autumn 2024, the Helsinki XR Center (HXRC) launched the Lahdenväylä Masterplan MR project as part of the Immersive Sustainability Lab – in a strategic collaboration between Metropolia UAS and the Virtual World Society, with support from the AI Start Incubator (co-funded by the EU). The project set out to explore how immersive technologies can support more transparent, inclusive, and data-informed urban planning processes, particularly in complex infrastructure environments.
Text by Janset Shawash
The initiative emerged from ongoing discussions with the City of Helsinki, where questions around the future of Lahdenväylä highlighted the need for new tools that can bridge expert planning knowledge and public understanding. Large-scale infrastructure projects often involve layered datasets, long timelines, and abstract representations that are difficult to communicate beyond professional circles. Lahdenväylä offered a concrete case to test how XR could make these processes more accessible and experiential.
The Mixed-Reality Planning Prototype
At the core of the project is a mixed-reality planning prototype that combines a 1:700 physical scale model of the Lahdenväylä area, measuring approximately 3 × 4 metres, with digital layers visualised through Oculus Quest 3 headsets. Users can explore a future development scenario through multiple thematic layers, including a 3D model of proposed development, transportation networks, land-use zoning, flood risk areas, noise pollution, and key sites across the district. The prototype supports exploration, discussion, and critical reflection by helping users relate the proposed scenario to the existing urban fabric.
Research-Through-Design and Lab Context
Developed within the Immersive Sustainability Lab, the project follows a research-through-design approach, using the prototype itself as a way to generate insights about usability, communication, and decision-making. The work also reflects HXRC’s broader focus on inclusive and sustainable XR, emphasising solutions that are understandable, adaptable, and relevant for real-world use, rather than technology showcases alone.
Following the initial development phase, the project included evaluation and discussions with stakeholders. These sessions focused on how the mixed-reality setup supports understanding of planning data, what types of information benefit most from spatial visualisation, and how such tools could be integrated into existing planning and engagement workflows. Feedback gathered during these discussions informed refinements to both the technical setup and the way content is structured and presented.
Presenting the Mixed Reality experience to different stakeholders at the Immersive Sustainability Lab
Alignment with AI Start and Applied Innovation
The Lahdenväylä project aligns with the goals of the AI Start project by demonstrating how emerging technologies, including XR and AI-assisted workflows, can be applied in practical, non-experimental contexts. It highlights the role of universities of applied sciences as intermediaries that connect cities, technology, and applied research through hands-on pilots.
As an early-stage proof of concept, Lahdenväylä does not aim to replace established planning tools. Instead, it explores how immersive, spatial representations can complement traditional methods, support dialogue, and open new possibilities for collaboration between planners, researchers, and the public.
Presenting the project to the Mayor of Amman, H.E. Dr. Yousef Al Shawarbeh, and the team of the Smart City at Greater Amman Municipality
Sharing the Mixed Reality experience with the Bedouins in the Wadi Rum reserve of Jordan
A Flagship Case for the Immersive Sustainability Lab
November 2025 marked a milestone for the Immersive Sustainability Lab, as it celebrates its first year of activity, with Lahdenväylä emerging as one of its flagship cases. Over the past year, the prototype has evolved through the development of new functionalities and components, while being continuously tested, refined, and showcased to cities, professional stakeholders, and the wider public.
Alongside the main installation, a miniature version of the model (scale 1:5000) was produced to support mobility and outreach. This version has been presented locally and internationally, including at Match XR 2025, the ISMAR 2025 conference in South Korea, and has travelled to Jordan as part of HXRC’s broader internationalisation efforts.
Key Stakeholders and Collaboration
AIStart Incubator is an EU co-funded program led by Haaga Helia UAS with the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Metropolia UAS (Helsinki XR Center) as partners. It helps SMEs in the Helsinki region adopt AI through hands-on support, tailored training and access to diverse testing platforms, and forms part of the wider HEVinnovations program to strengthen regional innovation.
The project team included:
- Project Managers: Tiina Vuorio (Head of Unit), Janset Shawash, Janina Rannikko, Santeri Saarinen
- Project Leads : Emmi Isokirmo, Julia Hautanen
- XR Experts: Narmeen Marji, Juho Puurunen, Alicia Sudlerd, Henri Liu, Mikko Höök, Erson Halili
- XR Development & Art: Irina Konovalova (Dev), Markku Inkinen (Apple Vision Pro dev), Aino Suuntamo (3D/2D), Alma Hoque (3D/UI), Karin Domagalska (Quest 3 Dev), Benjamin Masena (Quest 3 Dev), Niina Kahela (3D), and Heleanore Mandri (3D)
For more information, contact Janset Shawash (janset.shawash@metropolia.fi).
AI Start Incubator is a collaboration of:
