Renovation Of The Aalto University Undergraduate Centre / Arkkitehdit NRT Oy

Curated by ArchDaily

Architects: Arkkitehdit NRT Oy
Area: 47985 m²
Year: 2015
Photographs:Tuomas Uusheimo
Manufacturers: Esko Nurmisen Maalaamo Oy, Heikkinen Yhtiöt, Hissipörssi Yhtiöt Oy, KONE Oyj, Otis, SRT Oy (CONTRACTOR), Schindler Management Ltd., TRT Oy, Vanalilla Ehitus, Verhoiluliike Wiik Oy, Voller, Wallenium OÜ
Contractor: Aalto University Properties

Text description provided by the architects. The former main building of the Helsinki University of Technology took on a new role when three universities  were merged as Aalto University in 2010. The Otaniemi Campus designed by Alvar Aalto was chosen as the shared home of the Aalto Schools of Engineering, Business and  Arts & Design.

The main building was originally completed in two stages in 1964 and 1974. The entire building was in need of renovation to bring it up to a modern-day university’s needs, including improved accessibility and ﬂexible educational spaces. Some facilities were repurposed as they no longer served their original function. The HVAC systems, safety exits and ﬁxtures were also in need of modernization.

Renovation Of The Aalto University Undergraduate Centre / Arkkitehdit NRT Oy - Table, Chair — © Tuomas Uusheimo

Renovating such a prestigious landmark – exemplifying as it does a ‘total work of art’ – was a challenge. With the advent of ﬂexible working and learning practices, old buildings – even masterpieces – must adapt to changing user needs to maintain their value. Retroﬁtting ﬂexible educational spaces in an old building without altering the original architectural concept is difficult, however. The building required new HVAC systems and safety exits for which no space was allocated in the original plan. Architects NRT showed exemplary skill in overcoming these challenges in their tailored planning and execution.

Each wing – variably 2-4 storeys high – is designed to function as a separate building linked to the campus complex. The main volume is rhythmically articulated by small courtyards. Aalto envisioned a leafy, American-style enclosed campus with paths traversing the yards between the main building, library and shop. The striking, auditorium-like roof of the low-rise main building is an iconic campus landmark

The main façades, spatial logic and detailing were fully preserved, with the entrance hall, auditorium and main cor- ridors superbly restored to their former glory. The workroom wings underwent heavier modiﬁcations, with spaces opened up for greater ﬂexibility. Most of the new ventilation engine rooms are now located in the basement, maintaining the hori-zontal proﬁle of the teaching wings. The architects preserved the most valuable features of the architecture in a logical hierarchy. The laboratories, studios and lecture rooms were converted into open spaces that can be furnished adaptably to serve group learning activities. The open-plan work hubs are spatially ingenious, though the furniture could be more inspiring and better balanced with the architecture.

Today the architect is no longer a ‘creative genius’ so much as a ‘master negotiator’ who strikes a balance between the project’s architectural aspirations, the wishes of various user groups and other practical requirements. In this project, Architects NRT successfully reconciled goals that were to some extent contradictory. The building was still in use by the university when the renovations began, and its user base expanded after the school became part of Aalto University. NRT did excellent work in catering to the needs of all of  the school’s faculties in this ambitious renovation project. HR