Helsinki University Main Library

I was fortunate to have a tour of the new Helsinki University Main Library (City Centre Campus).  Matti Hjerppe, Project Manager, gave me the tour.

The library opened September 3, 2012.

The design, with enormous specially-engineered glass walls on both street sides of the building, and open space with a central lightwell and staircase underneath a skylight, is very open and bright.  It was also packed with students.  There are interesting furniture designs (which I didn't photograph due to them being filled with the aforementioned students).  They have lots of open stacks, with various collections brought from several different source libraries.  If you have a chance, I recommend going up to the top floor patio.

The library is integrated with the city, with a department store and book cafe in the building.

The complete photo set is available on Flickr.

 

Previously:
September 12, 2012  OKFestival - tour the new City Centre Library
June 16, 2007  Stockholm City Library