Oodi, helsinki's central library by ALA architects, set to open next month

Oodi — helsinki’s central library — will open its doors to the public on the 5th of december 2018, a day before finland marks its 101st anniversary as an independent country. designed by finnish architecture firm ALA architects, the 17,250 square meter library has been described as the nation’s birthday gift to its citizens. with a privileged location at the kansalaistori square, right at the heart of the city, Oodi will complement the cultural and media hub formed by the helsinki music centre, the finlandia hall, the sanoma house and the museum of contemporary art kiasma.

Oodi was designed by ALA architects, who won the open international architecture competition for helsinki’s central library in 2013. the €98 million project features a striking building with glass and steel structures, and a wooden façade that combines both traditional and contemporary finnish practices. built to house a variety of innovative services, such as a maker space and music recording studios alongside its lending collection of books, the library is expected to handle an estimated 2.5 million visits each year.

the design divides the functions of the library into three distinctive levels: the active ground floor features a spacious lobby, public facilities and event venues, library services and café; the peaceful second floor is dedicated to work, activities, learning and interaction, with rooms available to meet the needs of active citizens; finally, the third floor will be home to the books. consequently, the concept has been developed into an arching form that invites people to utilize the spaces and services underneath, inside and on top of it.

‘Oodi will be one of the freest buildings in helsinki, or even the nordic countries, where the visitor can do many things and take initiative in what they want to do. it is a constantly learning and developing tool for those living in or visiting helsinki.’ – antti nousjoki, ALA architects

construction timelapse video