The design is based on the winning entry of the invitational competition held in 2010. The office building is connected to the two residential buildings on the other side of the road with a uniform canopy. The office building is located in Töölönlahti right in the green heart of Helsinki. The edifices surrounding the site define the projects architectural quality. It is situated among a group of prestigious buildings that form part of the national heritage. The Alma Media Headquarters is a key part of the Finlandia Park and of the unified building front bordering the railway.
From the outside, the building is visible in the greater landscape while its interior opens onto beautiful views of Helsinki. The office building communicates the values of a renewable and responsible media house. Its urban and substantive aspects form a basis for the quiet classical architecture of the building. The composition of surfaces, openings and materials are modern and clear. The façades are white plaster, glass, natural stone and wood. Public areas are treated with fresh colours. The east façade facing the railway track forms a vivid and colourful media wall for tens of thousands of train passengers around the clock. The west façade of the building and its terraces interweave with the park landscape.
The most important spatial element of the building is the high main entrance hall. It parses the functional parts of the building and allows views to several directions. A modern, flexible workspace solution supports the open and interactive function of the media house. All delivery and workspaces have been realised in an open floor plan. The building has been constructed according to ecological principles and an environmental certification is being sought for it.
Each housing apartment has its own terrace connected to the living areas. The apartments have been carried out so that the structure and shafts remain uniform and aligned from bottom to top, resulting in wide views into the surrounding landscape. The first floor includes retail spaces which, upon completion of the park, may also act as cafeterias.The building is made out of reinforced concrete with a surface finish of light-coloured plaster. The building is implemented in sustainable, ecological and high-quality materials.
