Helsinki Landmark Building, "Fokka" by Arto Ollila

The concept "Fokka," by Finnish architecture student Arto Ollila at Helsinki's Aalto University, is the winning concept in a student design competition held in 2011 among all architecture schools in Finland. The task was to design a new landmark building in the Koivusaari area, the most western part of Helsinki, using new and innovative steel structures. Koivusaari is one of the new areas currently under development in Helsinki, the World Design Capital 2012.

The competition is organized annually by Helsinki city planning office and steel product company Ruukki.

Project Description from the Designer:

Original idea by the city planning office had several different towers for different functions. “Fokka” mixes these functions and proposes a new dense and hybrid city block. Lower floors are open plans with multi-purpose spaces. Apartments and  hotel are located on top of  the retail and cultural podium. Building is directly connected to the public transport system of Helsinki.

The inner yard of the block is covered with tensile steel and glass structure to extend the usage in harsh and cold finnish weather conditions. Cover of the building also minimizes the exterior envelope surface and helps in direct sun light management.

From the Jury Comments:

"The basic concept of the winning entry is professional, sovereign and  innovative. "FOKKA" is based on a logical research of the surrounding city  structure and proposes carefully examined functions. The outcome takes the  surroundings beatifully into consideration. It is contemporary, poetic and  sculptural hybrid building. The proposal creates a new kind of public spaces. "FOKKA" is architecturally high quality, elegant and insightful concept."

Find also plans and sections of Fokka in the image gallery below.