Helsinki Central Library - Front View

Helsinki Central Library

2019 AIA Miami - Merit Award

Concept

Fascinated by the spatial condition of extremely narrow and deep cracks in glacial crevasses, we decided to bring the same intensity to the design of the Central Library.

strategy

A tall and narrow atrium, 2 meters wide and 24 meters high, with a skylight above recreates the intense spatial condition of a glacial crevasse. This gives the perception as if you were walking at the bottom of a glacial crevasse. This opening along the entire center of the library also allows interaction between floors while at the same time allows privacy due to its thick walls. The building is one, however it is divided into two sides by the open atrium. As people move from one side to the other, they pass on a thin bridge that intersects the crevasse, which deliberately places the occupants into the crevasse on all floors.

Helsinki Central Library