Alvar Aalto and Otaniemi campus
Aalto University is named in honour of Alvar Aalto, the famous Finnish architect
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Otaniemi campus to develop into a lively neighbourhood
The university's campus is in Otaniemi, home of the lively community that supports innovations. The goal of the campus development is to mix valuable history and new ways of planning.
The Otaniemi campus area was established in 1949, when the State purchased land for the future location of the Helsinki University of Technology and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The street plan for the area was designed by architect Alvar Aalto. The first part built in 1952 was Teekkarikylä (the student union’s housing area), which also served as accommodation for athletes during the Helsinki Olympics that same year.
Together with the City of Espoo, an environment that supports interaction is being built in Otaniemi for research, innovations, learning and the arts. The goal of campus development is a mixture of valuable history and new kind of planning.
Traditionally, university campuses have been divided into different buildings according to school. Aalto University's campus’ facilities have instead been divided according to the emphasis of research to better support multidisciplinary co-operation.
Companies, startups and technology parks surrounding Otaniemi will be integrated more firmly to support the creation of new information and innovations on campus. The region tries new functional solutions and the creative common use of spaces for the needs of different user groups.
In Otaniemi of the future, work, living, and services in the residential area link up in a unique way. The number of jobs and residential buildings will increase, and transit connections improved with the introduction of the metro in 2017. Commuting to Otaniemi will be even easier in the future as the Jokeri Light Rail will start operating in 2024.
What does the campus look like in the future?
What kind of improvement and construction projects will there be in Otaniemi in the coming years? Aalto University Campus & Real Estate maintains, develops and leases Aalto University’s facilities in Otaniemi and Töölö and in Metsähovi, Kirkkonummi.
Central campus block, shopping centres and sustainable solutions
What has already been done? Aalto University's campus development strives to combine old and new to create novel enviroments for the Aalto community. In time, Otaniemi has become the home of an innovative community of game changers.
Virtual Campus Experience
Explore Aalto University’s campus from anywhere in the world! Our digital guides, an Aalto University student and an assistant professor, introduce you to our learning facilities, laboratories, workshops, service spots and outdoor spaces. The tour can be experienced on desktop, mobile or VR headset.
More on campus
Architectural gems of Otaniemi
The architecture in Otaniemi pays homage to the legacy Alvar Aalto, Raili & Reima Pietilä and Heikki & Kaija Siren. The campus is emerging as a completely new and open place for study, work, living and leisure.
How Otaniemi grew into a centre of technology, business and art
The first hub of world class research, a pioneer of modern architecture, the stage for the CSCE and the home of Finland’s first satellite - Otaniemi’s Aalto campus has a colourful history. Next the campus will become Aalto University’s joint campus and an open community for all.
Campus
Aalto University's campus in Otaniemi is the home of an innovative community.
Explore the campus virtually at virtualtour.aalto.fi.
News on campus
Suggest a new name for Otakaari 2B building
Send your proposal latest by 14 June!
Jessica Sinikoski: Events must have room for a little magic
'My mission is to communicate what Aalto sounds, looks, smells, tastes and feels like, make the message tangible. As we are very close to nature in Otaniemi, the experience should have a bit of tree needles and soil in it, but it should also represent innovation, creativity and social impact.'
Energy saved significantly - the community's actions have produced results in Aalto
Aalto University has reached the energy efficiency goal of its facilities.