Helsinki’s new central library is a modern and globally relevant monument to knowledge and openness
Mind-Building exhibition at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Credit: Ugo Carmeni
A new central library will open in the Finnish capital in December 2018 that promises to transform the way we think about public spaces and libraries. Finland’s library culture is on display at the Venice Architecture Biennale from 26 May to 25 November 2018.
State-of-the art libraries like Oodi, the new Helsinki Central Library, are not only a key element in the international renowned Finnish education system but also design attractions in themselves. Designed by ALA Architects, Oodi showcases Finnish wood construction and modern architecture, setting the trend for the libraries of the future. CNN has even named Oodi one of the most highly anticipated new buildings of 2018.
Oodi will be a non-commercial public space open for everyone, proudly taking its place in the node of parliamentary and cultural institutions. The 10,000-square-metre building has been designed together with the residents of Helsinki to ensure that it corresponds to their needs as well as possible. In addition to traditional library services, Oodi will offer workshops with 3D printers and sewing machines, diverse workspaces, a cinema, a game room and music studios.
Finns are among the world’s most enthusiastic users of public libraries; the population of 5.5 million people borrows close to 68 million books a year. Indeed, Finland was named the world’s most literate nation by the UN in 2016.
“Not only will we open a new-world class central library this year, we have also renewed our commitment to open knowledge, culture and the arts through our new city strategy. Our vision for Helsinki is to be a global leader in providing the tools for open and participatory democracy – the right to knowledge, the right to education and the right to public space regardless of one’s age, gender, race or social standing,” says Jan Vapaavuori, Mayor of Helsinki.
Finnish library culture on display at the Venice Architecture Biennale
Oodi and Finnish library culture and architecture are currently on display at the Venice Architecture Biennale, which runs from 26 May to 25 November 2018. The Mind-Building exhibition at the Pavilion of Finland explores the development of Finnish library architecture over the years, from the country’s first public library in 1881 to the opening of Oodi in December 2018.
Mind-Building rests on the idea of the public library as a case study of modern monumentality. The exhibition considers libraries as buildings that remind us of the values of civic society and the power of enlightenment. The exhibition at the Pavilion of Finland and its library theme have attracted a lot of international media attention, including positive previews in The Guardian, CNN and Monocle. Both Wallpaper and the Financial Times have named Mind-Building one of the highlights of this year’s biennale.
"We are delighted by the great reception that the exhibition has already received. Public libraries capture people's imaginations as key places of learning and sharing. Investing in their great architecture makes libraries stand the test of time, giving us buildings we love and are proud of. In Finland, this has been the case for more than 100 years. Helsinki Central Library Oodi will be the next great chapture, a pulsating heart for the Finnish capital," says Hanna Harris, director of Archinfo Finland and Mind-building’s commissioner.
The Venice Architecture Biennale is the world’s leading architecture event. In 2018 it presents 63 national pavilions alongside the main exhibition, Freespace. Finland has a strong presence in Venice this year, as it is also in charge of the Nordic pavilion. The exhibition is presented by the Museum of Finnish Architecture and features an interactive installation curated by Eero Lundén. In addition, the main exhibition at the Venice Architecture Biennale features a section by Talli Architecture & Design.
Further information:
Mind-Building is organised by Archinfo Finland and presented with the support of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland as well as the City of Helsinki, the Embassy of Finland in Rome, Visit Finland, Visit Jyväskylä, Visit Seinäjoki, Artek, Konto Acoustics, MTAB Finland, the Building Information Foundation RTS, Arkkitehti – Finnish Architectural Review, Alvar Aalto Foundation and Helsinki City Library.
The borrowers: why Finland's cities are havens for library lovers
Why Finland is home to the world's most radical libraries
Helsinki Central Library Oodi
Mind-Building exhibition at the Pavilion of Finland
Contact information:
Jenni Pöyry
Communications & Media Relations
jenni.poyry@hel.fi
tel. +358 40 709 2913
Helsinki Marketing is a company owned by the City of Helsinki. It is responsible for operative city marketing and business partnerships for Helsinki. Helsinki Marketing interacts with local residents, visitors, decision-makers and experts.
