The renovation of the historic University of Helsinki´s Snellmania campus building is underway. It has been designed together with the end-users during the past one and half years. The workspace and learning environment development and interior design are now concretized: SRV has been selected as the contractor. The renovation of the 1830s building, designed by Engel, will be completed in 2022.

Ari Nisonen, Property Manager at University of Helsinki, describes the collaboration between KOKO3 and the University of Helsinki: ”University of Helsinki’s premises are developed in close collaboration with their users. During the last years, the university has invested heavily in the development of work and learning environments. Our partner KOKO3 has had a significant role in this process. The diverse expertise of KOKO3’s designers and the in-depth focus on our projects has received positive feedback among university staff. The collaborative methods applied to the development projects have been stimulating and have generated demonstrative design plans that engage user groups. The plans have truly served as the base for steering the implementation plans of our construction projects.”

“Engel’s architecture is breathtaking,” says Aino Brandt, work environment expert at KOKO3. “The challenge here has been to figure out how these historic buildings can support a modern university and its various functions – both academic work and new ways of learning.” “The updated premises offer more opportunities for encounters such as a library, work living rooms, and a working café. The 19th-century building didn’t previously offer these types of spaces,” Maria Riekkinen, the project’s interior architect, continues. Responsible solutions have been taken into account in the design and renovation. Circular economy and material life cycles along with a low carbon footprint have been an integral part of the project.