Aalto’s library renovation

Aalto University’s library building, designed by Alvar Aalto and completed in 1970 at the very centre of Otaniemi Campus, has been renovated by Arkkitehdit NRT and JKMM Architects. The building has metamorphosed into a multi-purpose and modern learning centre for students, faculties and other customers. Its dynamic premises provide support to multidisciplinary and novel kinds of learning, research and work.

  In the renewed Learning Centre, traditional library meets the innovations and the modern, future oriented way of making science. The precious Aalto interiors in the upper floors have been preserved but given a face lift. The upper floors have been supplemented with completely renewed lower floors, that are dedicated to new medias, relaxation and working together.  The services at the learning centre are located by themes: the protected second floor still functions as the library and reading room, Tori (marketplace) with its media walls and cafés, is situated on the first floor, and the new media services can be found on the bottom floor.

Harald Herlin Learning Centre, Otaniemi, Finland
Program: learning centre
Architect: Arkkitehdit NRT
Interior design: JKMM Architect
Service design: Kuudes Kerros
Contractor: NCC Rakennus
Area: 7,505 sqm
Completion: 2017