ALA Architects

The Keilaniemi station is the first one on the Espoo-side of the western extension of the Helsinki metro line, the so called West Metro. It is situated on the narrow strip between sea and land, housing and office blocks, parks and a built shoreline. This borderline condition is also a distinct theme for the architectural concept of the station.

Both station entrances interpret the hidden, underground rock geometry, and distill the shapes into the form of the building. Initially free standing objects, the entrances will eventually be transformed into parts of the façades of the upcoming high-rise development next door. The faceted form and dynamic windows leave a recognizable impression. The entrance buildings are partially clad in metal from the east. Sheet metal, a high stone pedestal and glass surfaces share the same surface in the faceted geometry. From the west, the buildings have a simple metal grille façade.

The platform level in Keilaniemi takes some visual and atmospheric cues from the above ground hub of office blocks. The overall look is sleek and reflective. The end walls separating the platform from the escalators are made of glass. The long side walls of the platform are bound by a partial lowered ceiling made with reflective white painted solid aluminum plates which also improve the acoustic qualities of the space. The LED tube based art work titled Light Weave by the artist duo Grönlund & Nisunen has been embedded as an integral part of the overall design.