New Wooden Space for the University of Helsinki. Openings and connections between Science and Society

The Finnish studio JKMM creates the new area of the University of Helsinki with wood and stone, transforming the old administrative building into a meeting place and cultural and social encounter between the university and the community

The renovation has the aim of completing the dynamics of the campus, connecting the university buildings and thus creating large areas that are ideal for openings and meetings

The location of the university campus is an important setting from which the project draws its inspiration: the materials chosen for the external façade, natural stone and plaster, perfectly connect the new building with the surrounding environment. The building opens to the outside providing an overview of the daily life of the university through two large glass facades placed at the level of the street

nside, the warm and welcoming atmosphere that attracts meetings and communication is emphasized by the extensive use of pine wood, which is used for all the walls, but also for most of the floors and some of the furnishings, such as the seats

The new space enables various activities to be carried out. The openings re-enact the three floors of Tiedekulma into a single entity. A covered inner courtyard becomes an informal place of work but also an area used for meetings and events of various kinds. The second floor is dedicated to both group and independent work, which is quieter and more peaceful. The third to fifth floors, where the offices are located, are multifunctional spaces suitable for different types of activities

The project also makes it possible to use the sixth floor from which you can access the rooftop terrace and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city

 With the JKMM project, the University of Helsinki rediscovers the dynamics of the Campus, where university life is enriched with large spaces dedicated to interaction and communication, also opening the doors to activities and events that connect it to city life