kaisa house main library at helsinki university by anttinen oiva architects

kaisa house main library at helsinki university by anttinen oiva architects
photo by tuomas uusheimo
images courtesy of anttinen oiva architects

‘helsinki university main library’, the largest academic library in finland, has been completed by anttinen oiva architects. the brief required a building to be constructed which, as well as catering for the school’s students and staff, reached out to the broader public. the scheme, located in the city center, seeks to cater for a new age of digital information, in addition to providing more conventional services.

a central atrium, encircled by walkways and circulation routes, rises through the core of the building
(left) photo by tuomas uusheimo
(right) photo by mika huisman

the design team worked to make sure that the structure remained compatible with its surroundings in terms of materials and scale. the curved brick façade compliments the existing urban block while a large arched opening ensures that the institution retains a distinct external appearance.

light is funneled into the core of the building
photo by tuomas uusheimo

internally, a central atrium encircled by walkways and circulation routes, rises through the core of the design. these functional spaces shape the architecture of the interior as well as the project’s façade. in addition to quiet reading rooms, an area with soundproof working facilities provides for both silent reading, and louder group collaborations. anttinen oiva have sought to craft an effective, flexible and comfortable environment for students, staff and researchers, capable of adapting and reacting to the future demands of the library building.

the library seeks to provide for a the new digital information age, as well as providing more traditional services
photo by mika huisman

a range of study areas are provided
photo by tuomas uusheimo

stairways and circulation routes
photos by tuomas uusheimo

the large arched opening ensures that the library retains a distinct external appearance
photo by tuomas uusheimo

the building remains compatible with its surroundings in terms of material and scale
photo by tuomas uusheimo

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project info:

location: kaisaniemenkatu 5, helsinki finland
client: university of helsinki
completed: spetmeber 2012
area: 31,700 sqm (341,215 sqf)

architects: anttinen oiva arkkitehdit oy
design team leader: vesa oiva
project management/cost and site management: indepro oy
building services consultant: pöyry building services oy
construction-engineering consultant: finnmap consulting oy
electrical engineering consultant: pöyry building services oy
acoustical engineering consultant: helimäki acoustic
contractors: SRV (main contractor)
photography: tuomas uusheimo and mika huisman

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