The Kaisa Hause – Helsinki University Main Library, on Kaisaniemenkatu street, is Finland’s largest university library
The project by Finnish firm Anttinen Oiva Architects is located where a department store and a garage used to be. The new building has a brick and glass façade that dialogues with pre-existing structures, perfectly in line with the façades of adjacent buildings.
The rhythm and regularity of the brick façade characterized by small square windows are interrupted by the organic shapes of the large glass opening. Framed by an imposing sculptural arch, it gives dynamism to the façade of the Kaisa Hause library.
The large oval-shaped skylight and the main staircase with exposed gallery form a sequence of continuous spaces that create a single environment. Around this wide and bright space are all the services connected to the library. [Text Arianna Callocchia – Photo Mika Huisman /Tuomas Uusheimo]
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