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Old Construction has been Remodeled and Converted into the Main Building of Aalto University

By • Jan 22, 2018

ALA Architects, a Helsinki based architectural firm, has completed this project in 2017. Dipoli, as the building is called, was originally constructed in 1966 by Raili and Reima Pietilä to be the Student Union at the Helsinki University of Technology. Today, it has been fully renovated and has become the main building of Aalto University, which opened its doors for the Fall Semester of 2017. Located in Espoo, Finland, the structure covers a total ground area of 12,400 square meters.

Exterior view of the construction with stone walls
Side view with glass walls

After the renovation, the building will function as a meeting place for the university administration, the academic community, and the students, and will be the base for two hundred of the university’s administrative employees. It will also continue to function as the main location for lecture events and other university festivities, as well as a display platform for the university’s research and design projects. Additionally, the building also hosts restaurants, cafeterias, and a bar which caters to both students and staff members.

Front view with high walls in green
Interior with modern access stairs
Interior spacious and full of natural light
Interior of rustic walls and ceilings

The interior is open and spacious, with large clear glass windows that allow an abundance of natural light to seep into the interior. It also allows for a clear view of the surrounding buildings and greenery, creating a dialogue between the interior and the nearby architectural elements.

Spacious interior with skylights in the ceiling
Area with modern fireplace in black
Concrete and glass walls and modern fireplace
Open space area with wooden ceilings
Stairs that connect the different levels
Internal stairs with concrete walls
Sleeping area with fireplace
Lounges connected by sliding wooden doors
Interior space with rest areas
Space with tables and walls of natural stone
Brick fireplace
Large public dining room
Public dining room with tables areas
Meeting room in vibrant colors
Large internal area with wood paneling
Large area with concrete roof with skylights
Modern concrete construction
Elegant and modern public bathroom
Exterior view of the construction with stone walls
Side view with glass walls
Front view with high walls in green
Interior with modern access stairs
Interior spacious and full of natural light

Interior of rustic walls and ceilings
Spacious interior with skylights in the ceiling
Area with modern fireplace in black
Concrete and glass walls and modern fireplace
Open space area with wooden ceilings

Stairs that connect the different levels
Internal stairs with concrete walls
Sleeping area with fireplace
Lounges connected by sliding wooden doors
Interior space with rest areas

Space with tables and walls of natural stone
Brick fireplace
Large public dining room
Public dining room with tables areas

Meeting room in vibrant colors
Large internal area with wood paneling
Large area with concrete roof with skylights
Modern concrete construction
Elegant and modern public bathroom



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