On October 5, 2026, Jacob van Rijs, Founding Partner of MVRDV, will speak at EXPO REAL in Munich as part of the prelaunch of an international competition for the transformation of Helsinki’s former Hanasaari power plant area into a new urban district.

With Helsinki continuing to transform former industrial waterfronts into new city districts, the discussion will explore how these areas can be reimagined as vibrant and integrated parts of the city. Drawing on MVRDV’s experience with waterfront regeneration and the transformation of former industrial sites, Jacob will share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of developing new urban districts along the water.

Jacob will join Daniel Sazonov, Mayor of the City of Helsinki, and Dr. Andreas Kleinau, CEO of HafenCity Hamburg GmbH, for a conversation on waterfront transformation and comparable urban development initiatives across Europe. The discussion will be moderated by Hanna Kaleva, Managing Director of KTI Kiinteistötieto Oy.

• Date: October 5, 2026
• Time: 12:00 - 12:50
• Location: Exhibitor Stage, Hall A2, EXPO REAL, Messe München, Germany
• Find more information here.