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Helsinki Central Library Oodi
By : ALA Architects
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 14th edition
Discipline : Architecture : Grand Winner Int'l
Categories : Public Building / Cultural Building
Oodi is an inspiring addition to the urban life of Helsinki. The library building located in the city center consists almost entirely of public space and offers a wide selection of services seven days a week. It is the new central point of Helsinki’s public library network: the residents’ shared living room, workspace and learning environment.
The design divides the functions of the library to three distinct levels. This concept has been developed into an arching form with facilities underneath, inside and on top of the wood-clad volume.
Oodi opens directly to the surrounding cityscape. The plaza in front of the building continues under the entrance canopy and into the foyer. The front facade dramatically arches over this large column-free space that can be used for all kinds of public events. The ground floor also houses a multipurpose hall, a restaurant and a cinema.
The middle floor consists of flexible rooms, nooks and corners inhabiting the spaces between the trusses of the building’s bridge-like structure. These enclosed spaces accommodate the maker space, reading and group working areas, and recording and editing studios.
On the top floor, a traditional library meets the most recent technologies. The open space is topped with a cloud-like ceiling. The serene atmosphere invites visitors to read, learn and relax. This floor offers unobstructed views of the city center through the floor-to-ceiling windows and from the large terrace on top of the entrance canopy.
Collaboration
Architect : ALA Architects
Interior Designer : ALA Architects
General Contractor : YIT
Engineering : Ramboll Finland
Acoustics : Helimaki Acoustics
Engineering : Rejlers Finland
Engineering : Sipti Infra
Engineering : Engineering Office Markku Kauriala
Engineering : Granlund Consulting