https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/2836-ala-architects en-us A bold addition to a cultural center in Finland fosters the exchange of ideas and inspires creativity.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13931 Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:25:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13931-helsinki-central-library-oodi-by-ala-architects The library bounds the eastern edge of the “Kansalaistori” cultural center, which showcases an array of iconic architecture. Photo © Tuomas Uusheimo At its southern end, the building assumes the appearance of a ship’s prow. Photo © Tuomas Uusheimo The lobby’s slatted spruce ceiling swells at its center. Photo © Iwan Baan A double-helix-like central stair spirals up from the lobby to the floors above. It is inscribed with phrases that welcome people from all walks of life. Photo © Iwan Baan 1903-Helsinki-Central-Library-Oodi-Finland-ALA-Architects-05.jpg Photo © Danica Kus Maker spaces and stadium seating are woven between the steel structure (unclad arches and birch-clad trusses) on the middle floor, which enables the column-free expanses above and below. Photo © Iwan Baan A reading nook occupies the space under a raised wood “deck” in the children’s library on the top floor. Photo © Tuomas Uusheimo The top floor’s main reading room receives abundant daylight, which flows through broad expanses of glass and skylights cut in the undulating acoustic ceiling. The floor plane is like a topography, lifting upward with ramps and stairs at its northern and southern ends. Photo © Tuomas Uusheimo The top floor’s main reading room receives abundant daylight, which flows through broad expanses of glass and skylights cut in the undulating acoustic ceiling. The floor plane is like a topography, lifting upward with ramps and stairs at its northern and southern ends. Photo © Tuomas Uusheimo Image courtesy ALA Architects Image courtesy ALA Architects Image courtesy ALA Architects Image courtesy ALA Architects Image courtesy ALA Architects Image courtesy ALA Architects The country celebrated its 101st year of independence on December 6 by dedicating “Oodi (Ode),” the long-awaited new Helsinki Central Library, designed by ALA Architects.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13803 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13803-helsinki-dedicates-oodi-ode-its-new-central-library Photo © Danica O. Kus Photo © Danica O. Kus Photo © Danica O. Kus Photo © Danica O. Kus Photo © Danica O. Kus Photo © Danica O. Kus Photo © Danica O. Kus Photo © Danica O. Kus