Challenge in Short: How could Joensuu's city-owned empty spaces be transformed to serve better the community, foster sustainability, and vitalize the center? Join this challenge to shape the future of Joensuu’s cityscape— the winning idea gets the space rent-free for the end of the year starting from May 2025! 

Problem Statement: Joensuu has valuable real estate assets that remain underused. These vacant spaces could add vitality, encourage innovation, and support local economic activity. We want to give these spaces a new purpose to better meet the community's evolving needs while aligning with sustainability. Your challenge: propose an innovative and sustainable new purpose for one of these spaces! 

Who Should Apply? Creative individuals, entrepreneurs, startups, non-profits, students, and local businesses. Whether you're looking to launch a startup, introduce a new service, or create an interactive community space, this is your chance to make your idea a reality! 

Solutions We Might Expect: 
• Co-working space or incubator for local startups, scientists, experts and ngo’s 
• Community center for art and culture 
• Affordable and innovative attraction for families to visit 
• Space for pop-up events, workshops, or seasonal markets 
• Any viable solution that promotes social interaction, sustainability and community needs 

About the Space: The space is located at Rantakatu 30, 80100 Joensuu, a historically significant building in the heart of Joensuu. The building, originally designed by architect Magnus Schjerfbeck in 1913, features Jugend and Baltic brick Gothic architectural influences and has served various purposes, including a girls' school, a library, and a conservatory. Its total area is 3214 m², with 2031 m² of usable space. The building is protected (sr-2), meaning it cannot be demolished, nor can its façade be altered. The building is available for rent or purchase after the rent-free period. 

About the Challenge Provider: The challenge is brought to you by Joensuu City and Ilmastokaupunki Joensuu 2025 project. Joensuu strives to increase the vitality of its city center, attract visitors and new residents, provide valuable services for citizens while advancing sustainability and responsible growth. This challenge aligns with these goals, inviting citizens and innovators to be a part of Joensuu’s sustainable future. 
Resources Provided: Information on the space size, location, building information incl. condition reports, floor plan, maintenance costs and price per square meter after the free 8 months period. 
Information about the area incl. accessibility, heatmaps of traffic patterns in the area, parking, distances to services, statistical data of Joensuu (students, age distribution, etc.). Reports and Studies (Joensuu Center Vision) 

View 360 presentation of the location
Support and Feedback: Access to mentors in urban planning, sustainability, and business development for refining proposals. 

Judges and Mentors: Experts in urban planning, sustainability, employment services and business from city of Joensuu. 

Incentives for Participation: The winning idea will get free access to Rantakatu 30 from May 2025 until the end of the year 2025 to bring their vision to life. Electricity, heating and water are included in the prize.  The building is available for rent or purchase after the rent-free period. Mentorship opportunities, and media exposure.