Architecture on Aalto University's campus
The Otaniemi campus is a unique ensemble where Finnish modernism from the 1950s–70s, organic architecture, and the latest Nordic architecture meet in a verdant forest and waterfront landscape.
Otaniemi campus to develop into a lively neighbourhood
The university's campus is in Otaniemi, home of the lively community that supports innovations. The goal of the campus development is to mix valuable history and new ways of planning.
The Otaniemi campus area was established in 1949, when the State purchased land for the future location of the Helsinki University of Technology and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The street plan for the area was designed by architect Alvar Aalto and Aino Marsio-Aalto. The first part built in 1952 was Teekkarikylä (the student union’s housing area), which also served as accommodation for athletes during the Helsinki Olympics that same year.
Together with the City of Espoo, an environment that supports interaction is being built in Otaniemi for research, innovations, learning and the arts. The goal of campus development is a mixture of valuable history and new kind of planning.
A unique collaboration hub
Traditionally, university campuses have been divided into different buildings according to school. Aalto University's campus’ facilities have instead been divided according to the emphasis of research to better support multidisciplinary co-operation.
Companies, startups and technology parks surrounding Otaniemi will be integrated more firmly to support the creation of new information and innovations on campus. The region tries new functional solutions and the creative common use of spaces for the needs of different user groups.
What does the campus look like in the future?
What kind of improvement and construction projects will there be in Otaniemi in the coming years? Aalto University Campus & Real Estate maintains, develops and leases Aalto University’s facilities in Otaniemi and Töölö and in Metsähovi, Kirkkonummi.
Central campus block, shopping centres and sustainable solutions
What has already been done? Aalto University's campus development strives to combine old and new to create novel enviroments for the Aalto community. In time, Otaniemi has become the home of an innovative community of game changers.
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More on campus
Alvar Aalto and Otaniemi campus
Aalto University is named in honour of Alvar Aalto, the famous Finnish architect
How Otaniemi grew into a centre of technology, business and art
The first hub of world class research, a pioneer of modern architecture, the stage for the CSCE and the home of Finland’s first satellite - Otaniemi’s Aalto campus has a colourful history. Next the campus will become Aalto University’s joint campus and an open community for all.
News on campus
Customer satisfaction with Aalto University campus premises remains high – ACRE’s overall rating increased and NPS strengthened
ACRE measures its facility tenants’ satisfaction annually through a customer satisfaction survey. Read the latest survey results.
New restaurant operator to open at A Blanc after renovation – Täffä Lunch moving into the centre
Three adjacent retail spaces in shopping centre A Blanc will be combined into a single restaurant with 150 customer seats, where Täffä Lunch will open in the autumn.
Make May the month of movement!
Listen to a mini-webinar about brain and exercise on 28 May. Make sustainable mobility part of your working or study day.