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Aalto University Töölö Renovation Completed

Aalto University Executive Education (Aalto EE) will be the main occupant of Aalto University Töölö, which has completed the comprehensive renovation of the former main building of the School of Business. The building, which is one of the most significant works of building art in Finland's reconstruction period, was returned to the original spirit of the 1950s. The building technology was renewed.

1st and 3rd photo: Mikael Lindén; 2nd and 4th photo: Jaakko Kahilaniemi

23.11.2020

As a result of the renovation, the building was also renamed. The iconic building in the heart of Töölö was named Aalto University Töölö (Aalto-yliopisto Töölö), and it will be used for education, offices, restaurants and events from the beginning of 2021. The facilities are currently being furnished. 

The building, which was designed by the architectural partners Hugo Harmia and Woldemar Baeckman and was completed in 1950, is included in the register of DoCoMoMo, an organization specializing in the protection and documentation of modern international architecture. The repair and renewal plan was drawn up in close cooperation with the Finnish Heritage Agency.

The aim of the repairs was to create a sustainable, modern and international learning environment that respects the architecture, design and art of post-war Finland. The interiors of the lecture halls and the great banquet hall were restored to the original 1950s style, and the spirit of the 1980s was peeled off the classrooms. Some 500 lighting fixtures, some of which were designed by Paavo Tynell, were reinstated after reconditioning. All windows of the building were refurbished, high-gloss paint on doors and wooden veneer surfaces in the halls were conserved, and old writing boards were also given a new life as mirror frames for toilets facilities. No changes were made to the yellow brick facade decorated by Michael Schilkin's ceramic relief, but the garden was restored to the style of the 50s with typical plants from that era.

In the renovation, the building's technology was modernized and at the same time the energy efficiency of the building was improved. The heating system, service water network and sewers were renewed, the adjustability of ventilation units was improved and room-specific cooling was implemented by means of district cooling. The building automation and energy management system utilises the latest technology. Sound insulation was improved in many ways, and with the new lifts and courtyard entrance, the building is now almost entirely accessible.

From the beginning of 2021, the main occupant of the building will be Aalto University Executive Education Ltd (Aalto EE), which provides international business management learning and development services. Versatile and modern office and training facilities for leasing purposes have also been created in the building. In January 2021, Restaurant Töölö will open a restaurant, banquet hall and auditorium open to everyone, where various parties, concerts, dinners and seminars can be organized.

  • Year of completion of the building: 1950
  • Original architects: Woldemar Baeckman and Hugo Harmia
  • Master and architectural design of the renovation: SARC Architects
  • Building owner: Aalto University Foundation
  • Primary contractor: Fira Oy
  • Building engineering contractor: Caverion Oy
  • Building occupants: main occupant Aalto University Executive Education, restaurant service partner Kanresta Oy

More information

Pekka Mattila
D.Soc.Sc., Group Managing Director, Professor of Practice
Aalto University Executive Education Ltd
Tel. +358 40 738 7221
pekka.mattila@aaltoee.fi

Aalto University Executive Education Ltd 

Aalto University Executive Education offers high-quality leadership development services (Aalto EE), professional development services for experts and managers (Aalto PRO), and creative solutions covering the whole life-cycle of entrepreneurship (Aalto ENT). Aalto University brings to our offering a multidisciplinary approach, together with innovative learning methods; this provides a unique combination of practical expertise with the latest research.

Aalto University Executive Education’s strengths lie in its global operating model and diverse offering. In addition to Finland and Singapore, we offer programs in several locations. Aalto University Executive Education holds three respected accreditations: AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS certificates. This places it in the top 0.5 per cent of the world’s institutions.