Kamppi, Helsinki – Design concept for the glass façade

Jari Vesterinen, Antero Tammisto, HAMK University of Applied Sciences, Design, Glass and Ceramics

Kamppi Centre in the heart of Helsinki is an important hub of public transport in indoor terminals including a shopping centre and other business premises. Kamppi was one of the largest construction projects in Finland. The glass façade of the main building is
a very remarkable part of the whole complex.

Designing of the glass façade was a research and development project in cooperation with Juhani Pallasmaa Architects, Tamglass Ltd., SRV5 and HAMK University of Applied Sciences. The glass elements were developed in LAKERA-studio, R&D unit for the architectural glass and ceramics Design Programme in HAMK.

The process created new and innovative solutions which improved not only the aesthetic impression but also the construction and functionality of the glass façade. The final façade is a successful case for design concept in cooperation with architects, industry and design school. In Kamppi the same design concept was applied in a brick wall of the Campanile tower and in a tactile guide at the main entrance.

The R&D in architectural projects can be improved by material orientated designers. The design concept is used in LAKERA-studio in cooperation projects.

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The Authors

Mr. Jari Vesterinen HAMK University of Applied Sciences The author is Lecturer in Design in HAMK University of Applied Sciences in Hämeenlinna, Finland. He is the Leader of Glass and Ceramics and LAKERA-studio, the R&D unit for architectural glass and cera... Read more