The building was nominated for the Finlandia prize for architecture in 2019. The main building of the University was completed in 1956 and is one most notable works of Aalto’s red brick period The facilities are divided into three blocks: the administrative section, the banquet hall and the library. The transit hall unites the three blocks together. The building is protected as part of the Seminaarimäki entirety.

The original spatial plan of administrative wing was restored by demolishing some dividing walls. The spaces of the library hall and its lobby were accentuated by restoring and opening new connections to the adjacent spaces. The ventilation in the banquet hall was improved.

The planning was done in close collaboration with the Alvar Aalto foundation and the Board of the Museum. The project was designed by using three-dimensional building information models on all aspects of design. The combined models were used to explore ways of coordinating different technical installations and to perform energy simulations.

Photography: Kuvatoimisto Kuvio Oy