In the heart of the Aalto University and with direct links to the Otaniemi Metro Station, the new campus centre constitutes the entrance of the site and orchestrates an enhanced identity for the university.

Blending the existing natural landscape with a contemporary emblematic icon, the new campus doesn’t try to be the new image of the university but rather reinforces the existing context, its qualities and specificity, bringing a strong and attractive identity to the whole site. At territory scale it becomes an additional piece of landscape, respectful of its natural environment. At site scale, it creates a new dynamic centre, an area of fusion for knowledge, creativity, exchange and innovation. Acting as a green link it literally plays the role of connector. The building itself creates bridges and paths for movement from one side to the other, while the main “A” square draws in students from all directions. A nucleus for the whole campus.

The campus centre is seen as an inclusive landscape; a public area ready to serve the different actors of the university whilst keeping the human scale of the campus. Organized around the main square, the building seems to disappear as it offers a new space to the students, specifically shaped so as not to hinder the flow of the site. Open in every direction, the building helps the visitor to find their way, its large scale acts as a gate, channelling the flow within. The relationship between the existing buildings and the new is carefully considered as gardens offer a green breathing space creating smooth transition areas.