The new market hall at Itis is the first in East Helsinki and only the fourth in the city. It was created as part of the extensive renewal of Itis, led by London-based Gensler as concept and lead designer. The idea was a place where the flavours and aromas of multicultural East Helsinki come together under one roof. A fishmonger, a butcher and a country store, specialty shops from around the world, bakeries, cafés and street food stalls: more than 20 vendors now share a relaxed, characterful space built to serve small businesses.

On the Itäväylä side, windows that had been covered for years were opened up again, bringing much-needed daylight into a hall that sits at a busy transport hub. Alongside the market hall, our work at Itis included creative wayfinding and furniture design for spaces such as Tallinnanaukio.