Siltavuorenpenger 1-3
Customer: University of Helsinki Property Services Ltd.
Location: Siltavuorenpenger 1-3, Helsinki
Completed: 2024
Area: gross area/area undergoing changes 1A: 5,060/1,618 gsm, 1B: 2,360 gsm 1,630 gsm
Located on the University of Helsinki campus, Siltavuorenpenger building 1 consists of two sections of different ages: 1A is the old Physics building and 1B is the High Energy Physics (Nuclear Physics) building. The facilities had later been used by the Department of Psychology (Psychologicum) and, in some parts, the Faculty of Educational Sciences as well as temporary facilities for the Faculty of Social Sciences. The facilities belong to a group of university buildings that comprise a built cultural heritage site of national significance.
Completed in 1910, building 1A was designed by architect Gustav Nyström, who is presumed to have given the area its fortress-like appearance. Floors were added to the main section of the building in 1930 (Gunnar Stenius) and the end section in 1961 (Olof Hansson). The best preserved areas of 1A are the entrance, main staircase and its side corridors as well as the auditorium. The science building represents the contemporary schools of Central European and Rationalist architecture, which also have classical and modern architectural influences. The impressive main staircase and the tower, which was demolished, represent the historic features of the building.
Completed in 1969 (Olof Hansson), Building 1B is skilfully modelled and detailed to unify buildings of different periods. Psychologicum was renovated in 2002 (Olli-Pekka Jokela).
Building 3 (i.e. the former department of anatomy building, Athena) was completed in 1928 by architects Jussi and Toivo Paatela. Originally built to serve the Faculty of Medicine, Building 3 was renovated in 2010 (Käpy and Simo Paavilainen). The building represents the Eclectic Classicism of the 1920s. The main spaces surround an enclosed courtyard and there are two wings connected to the main building on the north side. On the second and third floor, the side corridors lining the courtyard link the east and west floor lobbies to each other. The interior surfaces, ceilings and window frames of the corridors and lobbies are ornamented with classic decorative paintings.
During the repair phase of the 1A and 3 building projects, spaces were made more suitable for study groups, repairs were made to risky structures and measures were taken to improve indoor air quality. Electrical and HVAC utilities, fire safety and accessibility were also improved.
Building 1B was entirely renovated, including building utilities. Exterior alterations involved replacement of windows and elevation of the roof, along with yard repairs. The partitioning of rooms in the newer section was completely changed to meet the needs of study groups. The new facilities will house the Faculty of Educational Sciences, with educational facilities for skill subjects and art studies, such as the visual arts, handicrafts, home economics and drama.
The repair and alteration projects for Psychologicum (1AB) and Athena (3) were part of a wider restructuring of the Faculty of Educational Sciences facilities. The alteration project also included facilities for the Open University and University Services. With this restructuring of facilities, Siltavuorenpenger 10 (Aurora) was entirely removed from university use.
Read also University of Helsinki architect Pirjo Ranta’s interview about the project