hubalueet

Hubalueet (hub areas) are central, well-connected zones within a region that function as focal points for transport, economy, and public services. The term is used in Finnish regional and urban planning to describe locations where connectivity, density, and land-use mix create synergies that support growth and service provision to surrounding areas.

They typically exhibit high accessibility through multimodal transport networks, including rail, bus, roads, and logistics facilities, as well as a concentration of employment, education institutions, healthcare and administrative services. Mixed land uses—residential, commercial, and civic facilities—are common, enabling people to live, work and access services within a compact footprint.

Hubalueet serve several key roles: they act as anchors for economic activity and knowledge exchange, improve regional accessibility, and provide hubs for service delivery. They also function as strategic points for public investment in infrastructure, digital connectivity, housing, and climate-friendly mobility. In planning practice, hubalueet are identified in regional or municipal master plans, and development is guided to strengthen connectivity between hub areas and neighboring municipalities while limiting urban sprawl.

The concept aligns with related ideas such as functional urban regions, growth poles, and urban nodes. While specific hubalueet vary by region, common characteristics include strong transport links, diverse land use, and a critical mass of institutions and firms that can attract investment and talent.