{"id":22442,"date":"2026-04-02T14:31:52","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T12:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8000\/bonnes-pratiques\/helsinki-finland-an-architectural-blend-of-the-historic-and-the-high-tech\/"},"modified":"2026-09-12T13:44:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-12T11:44:50","slug":"helsinki-finland-an-architectural-blend-of-the-historic-and-the-high-tech","status":"publish","type":"bonnes-pratiques","link":"https:\/\/aivp.org\/en\/best-practices\/helsinki-finland-an-architectural-blend-of-the-historic-and-the-high-tech\/","title":{"rendered":"Helsinki (Finland): an architectural blend of the historic and the high-tech"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the 1940s, a paint and varnish factory constructed a warehouse in Helsinki’s <\/span>Ruoholahti<\/span><\/a><\/span> district, a testament to the area’s industrial resilience. However, it became isolated from traffic when a motorway was built in 1965. After serving as an emergency accommodation, the area was occupied by various groups and organisations, including Radio City and the Viirus Theatre, until the original factory building was demolished in 1999 due to new traffic arrangements.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1997, the SRV construction company proposed a High Tech Centre project for the same site, aiming to foster high-tech businesses and technological innovation. Nokia showed interest but later decided to sell the building. The Ilmarinen pension company bought it and consolidated its offices there. This significant change within the neighbourhood earned Helsinki an award from the New York Waterfront Center in 1996.<\/span><\/p>\n

Constructed in Ruoholahti in 2002, the High Tech Center (HTC)<\/a> of Helsinki is a beacon of innovation, a business centre comprising five buildings designed by Kai Wartiainen<\/a> Architects. More than 30 companies are based at the centre. Its high-tech architecture incorporates industrial elements in the buildings’ design, with particular reference to the structure of the port’s cranes and the port site itself. The centre was designed to incorporate glass, blue steel panels, and aluminium slats on the exterior, with inner courtyards featuring slate walls. The structure uses double-skin facades on the south and west sides for energy efficiency and noise reduction. Inside, there are large glass lobbies with auditoriums and a cafe, while office floors are flexible and can be partitioned into independent units. In 2016, the building’s roof was equipped with Helsinki’s largest building-specific solar power plant, comprising approximately 750 solar panels.<\/span><\/p>\n

More companies, such as <\/span>CHAOS and NCC<\/span><\/a><\/span>, are creating more multi-use buildings to increase production at the site and change the attractiveness of Helsinki’s southwestern waterfront.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, the area’s history is a testament to its transformative journey, reflecting various uses, from a factory to emergency housing, cultural space, and finally, a high-tech business centre with a focus on sustainability through solar power generation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional information<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruoholahti<\/a><\/p>\n

HTC High Tech Centre<\/a><\/p>\n

Kai Wartiainen<\/a><\/p>\n

CHAOS and NCC<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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