Campus

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.
Dipoli / Photo by Tuomas Uusheimo

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.

Ilmakuva Aerial view Otaniemi Aalto University Campus 2018, Image: SLA
The aim of campus development is not only to construct additional buildings, but to add various alternatives for vitalising the Otaniemi area and to give a home to the innovative Aalto community. Image: SLA

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 and light rail tram 15 in 2023. 

Aalto  logo
Photo: Aalto University / Anni Kääriä

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.

Read more about ongoing and upcoming development projects

Students at Väre building. Photo: Unto Rautio / Aalto University.
Photo: Aalto University / Unto Rautio

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. 

Read more on completed development projects

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An aerial photo of the Aalto University campus at sunset.

More on campus

Aerial view, Archive photo in black and white of the Otaniemi campus in 1966

Alvar Aalto and Otaniemi campus

Aalto University is named in honour of Alvar Aalto, the famous Finnish architect

Campus
Aalto-yliopisto / Harald Herlin -oppimiskeskus / alakerta / kuva: Tuomas Uusheimo

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.

News
Aalto-yliopisto Dipoli / Tuomas Uusheimo

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
School of business students sitting in front of the campus and laughing

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

White Aalto logo with exclamation mark standing in the middle of Otaniemi campus in the summertime
Campus, University Published:

Aalto University Foundation issues two bonds in the aggregate amount of EUR 150 million

The net proceeds from the Notes will be predominantly applied for refinancing existing loans taken out to finance real estate investments but also for general corporate purposes.
Otaparkki julkisivu
Campus, University Published:

Otaparkki offers smooth parking for campus visitors

The Otaparkki multi-storey car park and other paid parking spaces on the campus provide parking for guests arriving on campus.
Bar Otapas
Campus Published:

New cosy bar Otapas opens in shopping centre A Blanc

Bar Otapas opens on Friday 1st of March in shopping centre A Blanc. Cozy new meeting place is open from afternoon until late at night.
Poikkeustilanne-kuvitus
Campus, Incidents, University Published:

Water cut in Dipoli 22 Feb at 8-15

There is a planned water cut at Dipoli (Otakaari 24) on Thursday 22nd February starting at 8.00, and it is estimated to end at 15.00.
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