Puistokatu 4 community

At Puistokatu 4 – a Space for Science and Hope – our vision is to normalize a good life within the planetary boundaries. We catalyze research and action that builds a future in line with this vision.

An ecologically sustainable future requires rapid cultural change. We believe that change happens between people: individuals need other people and the support of the community to make the change. This is why we bring together people and nurture the community working at Puistokatu 4.

Puistokatu 4 community

Puistokatu 4 currently hosts around 80 members, who together with our financier foundations and the Puistokatu team form the building’s community. There are two types of community membership:

  • Researcher membership: for researchers in various fields. Membership is free of charge.
  • Agent membership: for social, non-commercial, and commercial operators. Membership is subject to a fee.

Are you interested in becoming a member? We are organizing tours at Puistokatu 4 on November 27, December 2, and December 3. On these dates you can get to know the building and learn more about our memberships. Sign up by clicking on the date that suits you best!

This membership is for you,

Academic researchers from various disciplines and stages of their careers whose research focuses on solution-oriented construction for an ecologically sustainable future are eligible to apply for membership at Puistokatu 4. In addition, the research must be affiliated with a research organization.

As a researcher at Puistokatu 4, you will be part of a cross-disciplinary community that shares your values, challenges your thinking, and supports you when needed. Membership is free for researchers, as research and scientific knowledge are the cornerstones of Puistokatu 4.

It is important to us that selected members actively interact with the Puistokatu 4 community. We also require an open attitude towards the diverse solutions to the ecological crisis. Evidence or interest in making impact with your research is considered an advantage in the application process.

Membership is for one year, after which it is possible to apply for a second year. Researchers and actors ending their membership become alumni members, who may support the community and enjoy its many benefits.

We welcome applicants of different ages, genders, and disabilities, as well as those belonging to linguistic, cultural, or other minorities. Positive discrimination may be applied in the selection process.

In 2025, 46 researchers from 32 different disciplines and 20 different universities or research institutes have worked at Puistokatu.

Applications for researcher positions for 2026 will open again on November 20, 2025.

“At Puistokatu 4, it is understood that happiness is important and possible even during an ecological crisis. The space has a constructive and gentle atmosphere, which makes it a great place to work on your research. Puistokatu 4 also gives me hope for a better working life. That there are wonderful work communities where difficult things are done ambitiously, while at the same time understanding one’s limits.”

Annina Lattu
Annina Lattu
This membership is for you,

The paid agent membership of Puistokatu 4 is intended for social and commercial operators whose core business is building an ecologically sustainable future. The monthly membership fee is €100–200 + VAT, depending on the nature of the business. Please note that membership is personal.

As a member of Puistokatu 4, you will be part of a cross-sector community that shares your values, challenges your thinking, and supports you when needed. Selected members are expected to actively participate in the Puistokatu 4 community and to be open to diverse solutions to the ecological crisis.

Membership is for one year, after which it is possible to apply for a second year. Researchers and actors ending their membership become alumni members, who may support the community and enjoy its many benefits.

We welcome applicants of different ages, genders, and disabilities, as well as those belonging to linguistic, cultural, or other minorities. Positive discrimination may be applied in the selection process.

In 2025, 28 agents have worked at Puistokatu, including artists, foundations, organizations, educators, writers, and journalists.

Applications for the 2026 positions will open on November 20, 2025.

“At Puistokatu 4, I met amazing people with a huge range of skills and a shared goal of a sustainable future. As a member, I got to participate in wonderful events and learned a lot. I will miss the atmosphere. I’ve never experienced such an open and curious vibe anywhere else!”

Erik Nyroos
Erik Nyroos
WHAT DO WE OFFER OUR MEMBERS?

Tools to strengthen your role as an agent of change

  • Workspaces designed to enable both concentration-intensive work and social interaction.
  • Presentation and advocacy training for researchers.
  • Time Out instructor training, the community’s own Time Out discussions, and the opportunity to facilitate discussions yourself.
  • The opportunity to propose your own events or initiatives for Puistokatu 4.
  • Support with communications.
  • Coffee, tea, and wool socks.

 

A community that values slowness and care

  • Facilitated encounters with community members, from weekly morning coffees to rituals that follow the cycle of the year.
  • Joint celebrations, from porridge parties to the opening of the summer season.

 

At the heart of the Puistokatu community’s activities and existence is a shared set of values and culture, which is crystallized in our guiding principles:

  • Share a different reality.
  • Cherish the incomplete.
  • We are all connected.
  • It takes just one researcher to change the world.

“We want Puistokatu 4 to be a place where researchers can become active contributors to social discourse and where data backed by research can interact with the reality of various groups of people.”

Minttu Jaakkola, Executive Director of Puistokatu 4
Minttu Jaakkola, Executive Director of Puistokatu 4