Perspectives for the conservation of Finlandia Hall
Pia Ilonen and Minna Lukander, Architects ALLI oy/TALLI-TOIMISTO oy
A year ago we were asked to make a preliminary development plan: what would be the principles for any kind
of alterations that are inevitable in the future. Where and how the changes could be done, how to deal with the interior,
details and furniture.
The other task was to consider the status of Finlandia Hall within the changing Töölönlahti area. Sofar the Finlandia
Hall has not been very inviting to the visitor, unless you are a congress participant or going to a concert. The
elevation towards the Töölönlahti bay will soon finally be a part of the "citys´ inner countenance", as Aalto planned
it to be. There will be a water front instead of a parking lot, which will be constructed underground. New park and
the new Music Hall adjacent to Finlandia Hall will attract more citizens to the area. Using Finlandia Hall as a
congress centre instead of a music centre will be more important in the future.
We categorized the interior spaces as follows:
1. No visible changes allowed
This applies mostly to the main concert halls and foyers of the older part (1967-1971). The older part has gone
through changes during 30 years, and the restoration of spaces or details to their original state is permitted. The
changes that are easy to remove are also possible (i.e. furnishing).
2. Small technical changes allowed
This means mostly changing of the materials and furniture, maintaining the "timeless" atmosphere of the building.
The Congress Wing, built 1973-75, has not the same quality as the older part. For example, the entrance lobby was
renovated by replacing the old vinyl floor tile with slate stone. The old dark upholstery of the furniture was replaced
with a lighter one. Additionally the floor materials of the other lobbies and the Congress Hall now have materials
which also can be found in the older part.
3. Major changes allowed
Mostly technical spaces. Also office spaces need to be reorganized. In this case it is advisable to differentiate clearly
between new and old structures.
4. The extension possibilities
Within the building, on the ground floor level there is a 2800 sq.m. service yard behind a colonnade. We have
explored the possibilities to use that space for an extension with exhibition and conference space and a cafe.
Elevator access to/from the underground parking is required. Architecturally, this space is very interesting. It has an
atmosphere of not having been designed at all. The space is mostly defined by the arbitrary lines of bearing structures.
