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AALTO UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

The Aalto University library located in Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland is an open scientific library for all Aalto University.

Aalto University Library, the current Aalto University Learning Center, started its operations back in 2010 when 3 university libraries were merged: Helsinki School of Economics , the University of Art and Design Helsinki and the Helsinki University of Technology. The Aalto University Library officially became Aalto University Learning Center in 2015.

Architect NRT ltd and interior designer, JKMM together reworking an Alvar Aalto designed library where the existing library was extended with a new copper-clad wing.

29 November, 2018
By donlim77 In Blog

Tuomas Uusheimo: AALTO 20161103, Aalto-yliopiston Oppimiskeskus / Aalto University Learning Centre, Espoo, Finland

According to the architects, this project is a great example of working with twentieth-century interiors while introducing a whole new layer of Scandinavian design to the same building. Lighting has been an important focal point of this design located on the upper level where much of the Aalto interior was intact – a beautiful pool of light, numerous drop ceiling lighting fixtures are scattered giving a sense of warmth which makes it a great area for university exhibits.

Tuomas Uusheimo: AALTO 20161103, Aalto-yliopiston Oppimiskeskus / Aalto University Learning Centre, Espoo, Finland

The architect’s challenge on designing the lower levels of the library was how to let natural light in, thus, huge glass windows were the way to go adding artificial lighting through a large amount of pendant lighting that runs up to the basement floor would provide enough light anytime of the year.

Tuomas Uusheimo: AALTO 20161103, Aalto-yliopiston Oppimiskeskus / Aalto University Learning Centre, Espoo, Finland

Say goodbye to old worn out magazine racks and say hello to glass-topped tables for display which enhances the overall feel of the space.

Tuomas Uusheimo: AALTO 20161103, Aalto-yliopiston Oppimiskeskus / Aalto University Learning Centre, Espoo, Finland

JKMM’s choice of materials provide a youthful and bright sense into the interior inviting students in. Cool and funky Cave-like upholstered enclosures in the walls provide seclusion for quiet research, definitely a great space to focus on research and studies.

Tuomas Uusheimo: AALTO 20161103, Aalto-yliopiston Oppimiskeskus / Aalto University Learning Centre, Espoo, Finland

The building’s lower floors also had a revamp featuring new interiors for this old bookstore. Remodeled, this area has been developed as open space encourages collaboration among its students, research as well as social interaction.

ARCHITECTS ARCHITECT NRT LTD

INTERIORS DESIGNERS JKMM

LOCATION OTANIEMI, ESPOO, FINLAND

AREA 7505.0 M2

PROJECT YEAR 2017

PHOTOGRAPHS TUOMAS UUSHEIMON

MANUFACTURERS ARTEK, KVADRAT, MARTELA, WASTBERG, INNO, WOODNOTES, ISKU