ALA Architects

Oodi represents a new era of libraries. It is an inspiring and highly functional addition to the urban life of Helsinki and more specifically, the Töölönlahti area. The newly completed library building in the city center, neighboring the Parliament House, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki Music Centre and the Sanoma House, consists almost entirely of public space and offers a wide selection of services. It is the new central point for Helsinki’s impressive public library network. As a non-commercial indoor public space open seven days a week, the Oodi Library acts as Helsinki residents’ common living room, work space and learning environment.

The design of Oodi divides the functions of the library into three distinct levels: an active ground floor, a peaceful upper floor, and an enclosed in-between volume containing the more specific and sometimes louder functions. This concept has been developed into an arching form that invites people to utilize the spaces and services underneath, inside and on top of the bridge-like structure.