Helsinki Central Library. international competition

PROJECT: Helsinki Central Library. Competition for the new central library of Helsinki

Our proposal for the Helsinki Central Library seeks to provide a solution that fully respects the existing urban and cultural context, harmonizing with the urban fabric while maintaining a distinctive image, and optimizing natural light, visual diversity, and the use of local materials with new technologies. To achieve this, we rely on functional and formal principles that aim to integrate and connect the library building with its urban surroundings, its historical and social context, and simultaneously provide a coherent response to Helsinki's climatic requirements and the functional demands of the program.

The orientation of the plot and its location determine the solution of two main facades –east and west– with very different character.

The east-facing facade is more abstract, restrained, and urban, while the west facade is more organic. The east side has an urban orientation, being directly connected to the city center via Töölönlahdenkatu Street. This orientation, in addition to being exposed to the coldest winds, receives little solar radiation due to the proximity of planned or existing buildings.

The facade of the building on this side is striking, with a rhythmic arrangement of openings that appear through the slats or are set back, creating an image of the facade that changes in its daytime or nighttime perception with the appearance of openings of light behind the slats.

The west side, on the other hand, has a more open character, facing the future Makasiinipuisto park. This orientation, in addition to being exposed to generally warmer winds, receives maximum sunlight and boasts privileged views of some of Helsinki's most iconic buildings clustered around the park.

The building multiplies the surface area of ​​its facades on this side, designed to allow the entry of the western sun and the creation of different perspectives from the rooms located inside.