Sponda transforms ‘Citycenter’s Piha’ courtyard into a welcoming meeting place in the heart of Helsinki

The first phase of the renovation began in February 2026 and is expected to be completed by the end of June. Sponda will fully upgrade the area’s lighting and introduce audiovisual art, greenery, and new seating. In addition, new terrace elements will help define the space and clarify pedestrian routes. Pedestrian passage through the area will be ensured throughout the entire renovation.

Audiovisual art creates an immersive atmosphere

In summer, the renewed Citycenter’s Piha courtyard will open as an inviting urban destination, where thoughtfully designed seating and greenery, together with the vibrant atmosphere of nearby restaurants, cafés, and shops, create a welcoming place to meet and spend time. The overall concept of the renewal is called Paths to Memories, and as part of it, a new audiovisual artwork will be created in the courtyard. Its lighting and soundscape, which change with the time of day and the seasons, create an atmospheric experience. The renewed courtyard will offer a relaxing oasis in the lively city center from early morning coffee moments until late in the evening.

“We want to strengthen the appeal of Helsinki’s city center by developing urban spaces that serve both locals and visitors, as well as businesses. The renovation now underway at Citycenter’s Piha courtyard, as well as the ongoing redevelopment at Kukontori since last autumn, are good examples of our active investment in improving the central city blocks and modernising key public spaces. Citycenter’s Piha courtyard is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in Helsinki, offering excellent visibility for the brands operating there. With this renovation, the area will become even more attractive, inviting people to linger and reinforcing Citycenter’s position as one of the key meeting places in the heart of the city,” says Christian Hohenthal, CEO of Sponda.

Approximately four million commuters, city residents and visitors pass through Citycenter’s Piha courtyard every year. The courtyard is part of the Citycenter shopping centre and serves as a key junction where Keskuskatu—the city’s busiest pedestrian street—and the Citykäytävä passage meet, bringing a steady and substantial flow of people to the area. Citycenter recorded 13.9 million visitors last year. The leasing of retail and restaurant premises in Citycenter’s Piha courtyard is currently underway.

The Citycenter’s Piha courtyard is being renewed in collaboration with the architecture and design company Studio Stockholm and Sun Effects, a specialist in light art and immersive installations. Studio Stockholm is responsible for the overall spatial concept of Paths to Memories, while Sun Effects designs the customised audiovisual piece.

“Combining international perspectives with local insight, we strive to foster a setting that is both distinctive and deeply rooted in its context. Our additions to the square are carefully designed to harmonize with the site’s remarkable foundational architecture by Eliel Saarinen. We have created the Paths to Memories concept for Citycenter’s Piha, offering visitors the opportunity to form their own memories and experience the space in a personal way. Subtle but impactful design elements create an immersive experience that invites people to return. We greatly appreciated the smooth and positive collaboration with Sponda and Sun Effects throughout the process”, says Karolina Nyström, Interior Architect at Studio Stockholm, responsible for the courtyard’s design.

“In the audiovisual installation created for Citycenter’s Piha, recurring light and sound themes guide visitors through different moments of life and highlight the significance of memories. Evolving with the seasons, the work invites people to experience the space in a new way, where history, the present and the future intertwine as part of the courtyard’s unfolding story”, says Tiiti Hynninen, Head of Design at Sun Effects.