Helin & Co, one of Northern Europe's leading architectural firms, has been a key player in Helsinki's transformation into a modern metropolitan region for over 20 years. They understand architecture as work for the future combining the human scale (‘Heart’) with a constant engagement with the urban space on the waterfront (‘Horizon’). The firm works in a context-sensitive and resource-efficient manner. The focus is on combining functionality, urban vibrancy and (archi-)tectonic precision. Three key projects also highlight this approach in the exhibition: Kamppi Centre – a networked urban quarter in the heart of Helsinki with mobility hubs, cultural and residential areas; Kalasatama Centre – a new urban centre at the former harbour that combines density and sea views; Sello District Centre in Espoo – a multifunctional centrepiece with a library, music school and concert hall. Together, they form places that interweave living, working and culture in Helsinki into an open, maritime urban experience.
Kamppi Centre, Helsinki, FI © Michael Perlmutter
Helsinki is not a classic European city with a medieval castle or religious origins. Its foundation was the result of political decisions – first by a Swedish king, later by Russian tsars. Not established as a civic or commercial city, but as a capital in a special geopolitical location between East and West, its greatest influence has always been water: the open sea, the Vantaa River, and the countless islands and peninsulas that structure the flat city landscape. This special relationship between the city and the horizon is central to understanding Helsinki and its architecture.
Today, Helsinki is part of a polycentric metropolitan region that includes the cities Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen. The transformation of this region into a modern metropolis has been underway for decades – particularly visible where water is being reintegrated into urban life. It is here in particular that it becomes clear how closely ‘heart’ and ‘horizon’ are linked in the architectural thinking of Helin & Co: places that are created for people and at the same time open up new perspectives for the city. In the former harbour, along new promenades and at central transport hubs, neighbourhoods have emerged that combine living, working, culture, commerce and leisure in close spatial proximity.
Kamppi Centre, Helsinki, FI © Michael Perlmutter
For over two decades, Helin & Co has been actively shaping the transformation of Helsinki. Founded in 1999 by Pekka Helin, the firm is one of the defining players in Finnish building culture. Its architecture follows the human scale, pays attention to sustainability and responds sensitively to the context – whether in urban densification projects or in landscape-oriented wooden architecture. This reflects the Heart and Horizon approach on both a small and large scale: proximity to people and a broad view of urban development. Time and again, they create unexpected and inspiring tectonic arrangements, which contribute to the uniqueness of the buildings. Their projects – from master plans to carefully designed individual buildings – show that urban density, ecological materials and a high quality of life can be combined. Especially in the centre of Helsinki, they have created places that combine mobility, urban life and built identity.
Postipuiston Tähti Residential, Helsinki, FI © Tuukka Norri | Western Metro, Koivusaari Station, Helsinki, FI © Kuvatoimisto Kuvio
Architecture as work for the future
Helin & Co sees architecture as a long-term responsibility. Its buildings are designed to be flexible so that they can respond to changing functions. Recent social developments – changing working models, the conversion of office space, smaller apartments, growing demands on public spaces – are reflected in its projects. With their work, Helin & Co have not only shaped Helsinki's image as a maritime, modern metropolis. They have created spaces that enrich everyday life, strengthen the urban space and draw international attention to a city that is confidently shaping its future between the sea, nature and urban densification.
UPM Biofore, Helsinki, FI © Marc Goodwin | Annexe of the Finish Parliament Building, Helsinki, FI © Voitto Niemelä
Three key projects of transformation
Among other things, the exhibition presents three larger urban areas that were significantly designed by Helin & Co:
- Kamppi Centre – In the heart of the city, this project connects several levels of public space: underground bus and metro stations, a new parking plateau, retail, offices and apartments. It ties in with existing cultural sites such as the Parliament building and integrates award-winning new buildings such as the Parliament annex and the UPM headquarters.
- Kalasatama Centre – High-rise buildings, public spaces and new leisure areas have been created here on the former harbour site, right on the waterfront. The project is a statement against land consumption in the surrounding area and shows how urban density can work in an attractive location
- Sello District Centre – A multifunctional centre with a library, music school, concert hall and a wide range of services has been created in Espoo – at a central transport hub in the metropolitan region
Sello District Centre, Espoo, FI © Michael Perlmutter | Sello Chamber Music Hall © Voitto Niemelä
Exhibition design and media
The exhibition itself is spread across both exhibition rooms at Aedes. One room presents the three major key projects in Kamppi, Kalasatama and Sello with the help of numerous photographs, plans and models. The second room showcases other projects of various types, from residential buildings to a metro station, illustrating how Helin & Co has been creating architecture for the people of Helsinki since its foundation. Cinematic drone footage provides insights into how the projects are embedded in their respective environments. A book table invites visitors to delve into the numerous publications about the firm's work while relaxing on chairs designed by founder Pekka Helin.
Kalasatama Centre, Helsinki, FI © Janne Hirvonen
About Helin & Co
Helin & Co is one of Northern Europe's leading architectural firms, known for its sustainable and inspiring architecture, thoughtful design solutions and the harmonious integration of buildings into their existing surroundings. More than 70 awards and 40 national and international competitions won testify to the influence of their work. Many of Helin & Co's designs are part of people's everyday environment: workspaces and living spaces. However, the spectrum of their work is broad and includes urban master plans and redevelopment projects, retail and multifunctional complexes, transport buildings, public and cultural buildings, as well as private homes, villas and furniture designs. The firm has also designed the renovation of several important buildings and historical monuments.
Catalogue
An Aedes catalogue will be published.
Project Sponsors
SRV, City of Helsinki
