lahdelma & mahlamaki opens 'easton' shopping center in helsinki

finnish firm lahdelma & mahlamäki architects has opened ‘easton’, a major shopping center in helsinki. the 66,000 square meter development is located in itäkeskus, and is the first phase of a larger urban plan that looks to celebrate the identity and culture of helsinki’s eastern districts. the building, which is clad with an undulating façade of ceramic tiles, brings together local food vendors as well as larger businesses. ‘we created easton as a new kind of city center for itäkeskus, somewhere that could celebrate community and daily life,’ explains ilmari lahdelma, co-founder of lahdelma & mahlamäki architects.

all images courtesy of kuvio

lahdelma & mahlamäki’s shopping center stands at the heart of itäkeskus and is the first phase of a plan that aims to bring increased opportunities to local residents. the building is clad with a ceramic and aluminum tiling system which, while conforming with the local aesthetic, also allows easton to stand out within the community. ‘120 tiles of varying shades — computer sequenced to appear random — come together to make the façade units, which when replicated over the whole façade produce the warm, textured mosaic,’ explains the design team.

the 66,000 square meter development is located in itäkeskus, helsinki

situated next to a busy motorway, as well as one of finland’s largest shopping complexes, easton includes 1,240 parking spaces and provides a connection to the adjacent metro network. internally, the development contains 30,000 square meters of commercial floor space, which intends to bring 40 businesses to the area. at the heart of the scheme is a 300 square meter ‘identity wall’ activated by LEDs. local design agency kuudes worked with the architects on the commercial concept, interior design, and wayfinding.

the development contains 30,000 square meters of commercial floor space