ALVAR AALTO’ S SEINAJOKI CITY LIBRARY EXPANSION DESIGN BY JKMM ARCHİTECTS

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ALVAR AALTO’ S SEINAJOKI CITY LIBRARY EXPANSION 

DESIGN BY JKMM ARCHİTECTS

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ALVAR AALTO’ S SEINAJOKI CITY LIBRARY EXPANSION DESIGN BY JKMM ARCHİTECTS

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Fortunately, the world still contains treasures left by the masters that stand as a testament to the old school of design and their stringent principles and consequent magic. Unfortunately, the world constantly moves at increasingly faster speeds and the quality and functions of spaces change with every advance in technology. 
Finnish studio JKMM Architects have recently completed a great solution for the expansion of the ' Seinajoki City Library ' in the context of Alvar Aalto's civic center in 1965, which runs the delicate line between the preservation of history and the creation of contemporary identity. The architects focused primarily on two challenges: the physical and symbolic connection with the old library and the preparation of spaces for current and future use.

' To attract visitors, a well-functioning library must provide experiences ' - Architect Asmo Jaaksi

The structure, a winning competition entry from 2008, consists of three sculptural pieces sited in the middle of the park, like three frames that offer different slices of the surrounding city. Much attention was given to the design of the new library with respect to Aalto's legendary work; the designers carefully alluded to the late architect's language while avoiding a blatant copy. All three cast-in-place concrete shells follow a loose fan-shape footprint and utilize long - span beams - a form used mostly in bridge designs - to achieve a completely open floor plan. The various levels suggest the form of extended terraces that look onto each other, another common feature found in Aalto's library designs. Active retrieval of information and the human interaction became the other driving force behind the new design. Large gentle-sloping steps at the core of the structure allow vertical circulation to the subterranean level that connects to the original library, and also offers a sitting place for a range of gatherings for events or individual use. The mechanical and electrical systems were integrated into the unfinished structure, clearing the interior of visual clutter and controlling noise.

Where the two libraries differ is in the exterior materiality and use of glazing and light qualities. Aalto's libraries utilized mostly indirect lighting, the new Seinajoki City library instead opens views to the exterior through three controlled curtain walls. from the main large window you can see the Lakeuden Risti Churh's historical clock tower; from the main entry one can enjoy the civic center plaza and theater. Smaller windows located higher on the walls accept light and reflect it off the unfinished subtly-faceted roof plan into the reading areas for additional illumination. The exterior is also clad in a specially-produced dark copper panels that give the new structure its own identity while not overpowering the surrounding edifices. Broken into three concrete-shell volumes, the interior spaces are thermally well maintained with the thick concrete envelope and an efficient heat recovery system. All curtain walls face north inset from the overhanging frame to reduce excess solar gain in the summer.

http://www.designboom.com/architecture/jkmm-architects-alvar-aaltos-seinajoki-city-library-expansion/?utm_campaign=Saturday&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_source=subscribers

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JKMM ARCHITECTS

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ARCHITECTURE - 4 POINTS OF DEPARTURE

Architecture has to do with the context. Architecture of a single building simultaneously creates the larger architectural context: new fragments of urban fabric or landscape emerge. Architecture has to do with people. Spatial experience, scale and function are abstract things. But in buildings, they should be translated into a physical form. Buildings begin their life when somebody walks in. Architecture has to do with making sculptures. The guiding force behind the architectural concept is the logic of sculptures. The design process is a delicate affair of refining the balance between the contemporary and timelessness, between stereotypical beauty and odd discoveries.

Architecture has to do with craft. The finished building is what counts. Over decades, buildings should not only withstand time, but get more beautiful with age. The materials of a building are real: they have texture, weight and smell. The joints in a wooden boat possess beauty because they are simple, natural and full fill their function. In buildings, architectural beauty can be found in crafting things. Architects

are craftsmen.

JKMM ARCHITECTS AT YOUR SERVICE

JKMM Architects was created in 1998 by the four heads of our logo, Asmo Jaaksi, Teemu Kurkela, Samuli Miettinen and Juha Mäki-Jyllilä. From the beginning, architectural innovation has been the driving force of our work. Our goal is to make

architecture with exceptional architectural and technical quality. Over the past years, we have received over 70 prizes (including 234 first prizes) in architectural competitions.

WE DESIGN

JKMM Architects offers complete service in all areas and scales of architecture. We design buildings, interiors, furniture, urban environments and renovations.

OUR SUSTAINABLE WAY OF DESIGN

Our design approach reflects our Finnish and Scandinavian values. We aim to create a handcrafted solution for every one of our projects, working together with the client. We use no standard methods. We study the local conditions, functional requirements, cultural background and practical considerations carefully. Our goal is to bring together innovation, intelligence and common sense. Our buildings share a human touch and they are created for people. We have sensitivity towards materials and a passion for making new architecture. Key elements of our thinking are respect for the “small person”, clarity of thinking, innovative design and technological excellence. The end result, exceptional quality of the finished building, is what counts the most. We aim at making concepts and buildings, which get better over the years.

Sustainable development is our key responsibility.

http://www.jkmm.fi/studio.html