Autotalo represents the dawn of high-rise construction in Helsinki. Today, it stands as a landmark and a modern office space right in the city center. Completed in 1958, the building comprises two 12-story towers.
Information
Type Facade lighting and interior lighting
Location Helsinki
Completion year 2014
Client Helsingin Autotalo Oy
Over the years, the building’s streamlined and unified appearance had been lost. The impression was dark, chaotic, and unstructured. When the interior spaces underwent renovation from 2011-2014, there was a desire to communicate these renewed interiors externally by updating the facade.
The facade lighting was designed to respect the building’s original intended appearance, and the lights no longer cause glare in the offices. A soft, fading white light now envelops the facade’s towers, distinguishing the building from the surrounding darkness.
The standardization of illuminated signs also played a significant role – when well-designed, they provide a stylish finishing touch and enhance the building’s overall appearance.
In addition to the facade, the lobby was transformed from an outdoor space into an indoor area. The guiding quality of the original space’s light was intended to be preserved. Furthermore, the stairwells and parking garage received updated lighting.
Original architect: Veli Valoranta and Eino Tuompo
Renovation architect: Tengbom Eriksson Architects
