Helsinki harbour, Finland.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro 2024
My recent visit to Helsinki brought back a wave of memories from my last trip in 2015, when I attended the GEM&L (Groupe d’Études Management & Langage) conference in the summer of 2015. Helsinki has always held a special place in my heart, and walking around the city harbour this time felt like rediscovering an old friend, albeit with a few delightful surprises.
One of the highlights of my walk was discovering Oodi, the Helsinki Central Library. Opened after my 2015 visit, Oodi stands as a testament to Finnish innovation and design. Nestled in the Töölönlahti area, it is a striking architectural marvel that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary elements. Its wooden facade, crafted from Finnish spruce, softens the steel and glass structure, creating an inviting and sustainable landmark. Designed by ALA Architects, Oodi embodies Helsinki’s commitment to open, accessible public spaces.
The Magic of Oodi
Oodi, the Helsinki Central Library, represents a groundbreaking shift in the role of libraries in the 21st century. No longer confined to housing books, Oodi is a vibrant multifunctional hub that fosters community, culture, and creativity. This transformation reflects a broader paradigm shift, driven by technological advancements and changing societal needs, as explored by Sirel (2021) and Eskola and Widén (2024).
The library’s design embodies “new architectural design criteria” tailored to the needs of a modern, information-driven society. These criteria—accessibility, symbolism, spatial organization, and integration—redefine the library experience. The striking wooden facade, made from Finnish spruce, serves as a visual symbol of Oodi’s mission, embodying a transition “from knowledge to learning.” This architectural statement invites people into an environment dedicated to lifelong education and civic engagement. Moreover, the library’s spatial organization prioritizes collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity, positioning Oodi as a true “urban living room” for the city of Helsinki (Sirel, 2021; Eskola & Widén, 2024).
Each of Oodi’s floors offers unique experiences, each carefully aligned with the library’s mission to be a multifunctional space for learning, creativity, and community engagement:
- Ground Floor: This bustling, multifunctional space seamlessly integrates with Helsinki’s urban landscape, inviting visitors into its vibrant environment. It features open areas for events, social interaction, and cultural exploration. Love chess? There’s a dedicated area for enthusiasts to sit, strategize, and immerse themselves in the timeless game. This floor also serves as a gateway to the library’s diverse offerings, with its dynamic, welcoming atmosphere setting the tone for a visit that is as inspiring as it is engaging.
- Second Floor: A hub for creativity and innovation, this floor is a treasure trove for makers, learners, and collaborators. It offers workshops, studios, and activity spaces equipped with cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, sewing machines, and even fully equipped recording studios. Whether you’re crafting a prototype, designing your next fashion project, or perfecting a music track, Oodi’s second floor provides an unparalleled platform to bring your ideas to life. This floor embodies the library’s vision of being more than a repository of knowledge—it’s a space for creation and innovation.
- Third Floor: A serene retreat aptly named “Book Heaven,” this floor is flooded with natural light, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for reading, reflection, or simply unwinding. The breathtaking views from the Citizens’ Balcony add to the allure, offering visitors a panoramic perspective of Helsinki. Amid this oasis, the café becomes an extension of the experience, offering a moment of calm to savor a cup of coffee. For me, this café was a personal sanctuary, a place where the beauty of the surroundings merged seamlessly with the serenity of the library’s mission.
Oodi is not just a library; it is a beacon of innovation and sustainability. By utilizing renewable energy, incorporating sustainable materials, and leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) for its design and construction, Oodi demonstrates how libraries can embrace environmental responsibility while offering unparalleled functionality. Its design integrates public and private collaboration seamlessly, a feat that required nearly two decades of planning and coordination between government officials, library professionals, and architects (Eskola & Widén, 2024).
A Refreshing Pause at Allas Sea Pool
There was no way I was going to miss the chance to take a closer look at the world-famous Allas Sea Pool during my walk along Helsinki’s harbor. This impressive complex, nestled by the waterfront, consists of three pools and several saunas. It’s powered entirely by renewable energy and offers splendid views of the city’s picturesque shorefront.
During my visit, I noticed two of the pools were open. One was filled with seawater at a frigid two degrees Celsius, while the other was a toasty 27 degrees Celsius, with steam rising dramatically into the crisp winter air. The contrast between the two was striking and seemed to create a perfect balance for adventurous swimmers looking to warm up after a bracing dip in the cooler pool. I was born in the tropics, and wouldn’t dream of winter swimming. Walking by the Allas Sea Pool however, gave me a vivid sense of its allure. I could almost feel the adrenaline rush of cold-water swimming, even if only in my imagination.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
This visit reminded me of why I fell in love with Helsinki back in 2015. The city combines a deep respect for tradition with a forward-thinking approach to urban design and sustainability. Oodi and the Allas Sea Pool embody this spirit, offering spaces where locals and visitors alike can come together, learn, relax, and connect.
As I made my way back from the harbour, I couldn’t help but think about the transformative power of architecture and public spaces. They don’t just shape cities; they shape experiences and memories. Helsinki, with its seamless blend of history and modernity, continues to be a source of inspiration.
For anyone planning a visit, Oodi and the Allas Sea Pool are two stops that perfectly capture the essence of this vibrant city. Whether you’re a lover of books, architecture, or just looking for a moment of peace by the water, Helsinki has something for everyone.
References
Eskola, E.-L., & Widén, G. (2024). Pathways to cross-boundary collaboration: Case Helsinki City Library Oodi. Informaatiotutkimus. https://doi.org/10.23978/inf.148582
Sirel, A. (2021). Reflection of paradigm change in information technology to library architecture: The Helsinki Oodi Library. Architecture and Urban Planning, 17(1), 123–135. https://doi.org/10.2478/aup-2021-0012