Designed by JKMM Architects, OP Headquarters in Helsinki, The construction of new builds to replace the buildings along Teollisuuskatu, as well as the northern corner house on the Päijänteentie side, constitutes the most extensive change to the cityscape around the quarter. As these new buildings closely match their predecessors in height, the scale of the quarter has remained unchanged. The quarter will be completed in 2017 when new buildings are set to rise on the eastern corner of Teollisuuskatu.
Courtesy of JKMM Architects
The interaction between the inside and outside of the large quarter was at the heart of the architectural concept: The inside should be visible to outside observers, thus creating vistas of openness and transparency. In turn, those inside require visual contact with the outside world. This vision was brought to life through tall openings designed between the building materials, which punctuate the long façades and open up a view of the inside.
Courtesy of JKMM Architects
The design process has aimed to eschew rectangular designs in favor of a strong and memorable visual identity: the sculptural, massive quality of the new buildings recalls the imposing solidity of erratic boulders. The presence of the latter as an architectonic and design theme carries connotations of durability, permanence, and Finnishness.
The “gallery”, a circular indoor path under a glazed roof, serves as the quarter’s hub, connecting various functional units and providing a meeting space. When considered vertically, three discrete functional zones emerge the basements (parking, machine rooms, storage rooms and maintenance facilities), the ground level (foyers, restaurants, conference center, welfare services) and the upper levels (offices).
Courtesy of JKMM Architects
Courtesy of JKMM Architects
The design of the premises takes its cues from a new work environment concept, in which solutions seek to enable various modes of working, from quiet concentration to active interaction and teamwork. The themes of openness, flexibility, and functional communality take center stage in the new multi-space work environment.
The frame of the new buildings consists mainly of concrete, but steel has also played a large role in the realization of a diversity of structures. Interior surfaces and furniture feature natural materials, stone and wood.
With the inner city’s stone buildings and urban environments in mind, the façades’ surface materials have been chosen to emanate durability and permanence. The new buildings’ façades are mainly plaster, Finnish granite, and glass.
Courtesy of JKMM Architects
Project Info:
Architects: JKMM Architects
Location: Teollisuuskatu 1, 00101 Helsinki, Finland
Area: 130000.0 sqm
Project Year: 2015
Project Name: OP Headquarters in Helsinki
All Images Courtesy Of JKMM Architects
