Geotechnical visionary and influencer

Usko Anttikoski, a distinguished civil engineer and a visionary in the field of geotechnics, passed away on July 3, 2026, in Espoo at the age of 87. Born in Evijärvi on June 7, 1939, Anttikoski left a significant mark on urban development, particularly in Helsinki.

Anttikoski served as the long-time head of the Helsinki City's geotechnical department. He is widely remembered for his ambitious proposal of a Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel, which he first presented publicly in 1992. His Estonian counterpart in the early conceptual stages of this project was engineer and political influencer Ago Vilo. While the tunnel remains a dream yet to be realized, many of Anttikoski's other projects have come to fruition.

A notable achievement was the development of Helsinki's extensive underground network of technical tunnels. Spanning 200 kilometers, these tunnels carry essential services such as water, district heating, district cooling, electricity, and telecommunications cables. Anttikoski envisioned this ring-like solution as early as 1980, long before its final implementation in 2008. His work also facilitated the utilization of underground space in Helsinki through a policy change: property owners on the surface could not restrict underground construction below their plots if the space remained unused and the project caused no harm. This policy was crucial for realizing Helsinki's extensive green and pleasant urban environment.

As a leader and colleague, Anttikoski was described as an exceptional and dynamic personality who inspired his work community. He fearlessly initiated reforms and challenged established administrative hierarchies. His approach was characterized by a willingness to be a catalyst for ideas, handing over projects once they were underway. This dynamism and personal conviction extended beyond his professional life; he founded a workplace Bible study group in 1980 that continues to meet. Usko Anttikoski's legacy of courage and innovative ideas endures.