Locations

A Blanc

Designed by Alvar Aalto, the building previously known as Otaniemi’s old shopping centre, currently shopping centre A Blanc, was modernised into the second service concentration on campus.

Image: Anders Portman / Aalto University

Where

Otakaari 27, 02150 Espoo

As the second service concentration on campus, shopping centre A Blanc forms a working pair with shopping centre A Bloc located next to the metro station. A Blanc features specialty stores and services, restaurants and office space. The building was designed by Alvar Aalto and the first part was completed in 1961, the extension in 1968. The building underwent a modernisation from March 2020 to May 2021. The protected building is managed by Aalto University Campus & Real Estate.

In the building:

Shopping centre A Blanc is familiar to many who have studied and lived on the campus. The building has also been described as a calling card of the campus area, as it is situated at the entrance routes and is centrally located in the vicinity of the university’s main building Dipoli, the Undergraduate Centre and the Harald Herlin Learning Centre.

The shopping centre's white, plastered walls, large shop windows and the corridor running in front of the entire building, as well as the arched roof, distinguish the building from other red-brick research and lecture buildings designed by Alvar Aalto.

The renovation was finalised in the spring of 2021

With the modernisation, the building was renovated to serve diverse business operations and the construction engineering of the building was renewed. The facade was also renovated and restored. All old windows and exterior doors were refurbished or renewed according to the old original plans. At the same time, a large new terrace area with customer seats was created in front of the centre.

The renovation plans were made respecting the historical and architectural value of the building in cooperation with the Finnish Heritage Agency and the Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Rakennuksen tiedot

Osoite: Otakaari 27, Espoo
Rakennusvuosi: 1961
Koko: noin 2000 m²
Kerroksia: 2

Peruskorjaushankkeen tiedot

Rakennuttaja: Otaniemen Liikekeskus Oy
Pääurakoitsija: Pakrak Oy
Pääsuunnittelija: Arkkitehdit Q4 Oy
Peruskorjauksen aikataulu: maaliskuu 2020 – toukokuu 2021

A Blanc

Renewed shopping centre A Blanc on the edge of Alvarinaukio is the second service concentration on the campus. A Blanc offers local services to support everyday life, as well as meeting places with restaurants, stores and office space.

Pysäköinti ja saapuminen kampukselle

See leasable premises

A Blanc – Renovating for a more sustainable campus

The renovation of the Otaniemi shopping centre, originally completed in the 1960s and designed by Alvar Aalto, also paid attention to the building's sustainable development solutions.

Shopping centre A Blanc celebrates opening on Otaniemi campus

Designed by Alvar Aalto, the building previously known as Otaniemi’s old shopping centre, has a new name after the renovation and opened in the middle of the Aalto University campus

Board game bar Taproom d20 opens in A Blanc

Offering board games and refreshments, Taproom d20 opens its doors on the first floor of shopping centre A Blanc at the turn of September and October.

AFRY's new office in A Blanc, Otaniemi, invites you to cooperate

AFRY's goal is to provide students working as trainees with workspaces conveniently from the core of the campus.

Shopping centre A Blanc opens in Otaniemi during summer

Designed by Alvar Aalto, the building previously known as Otaniemi’s old shopping centre, currently shopping centre A Blanc, was modernised to serve diverse business operations with respect to its historical value.

Tapiolan Juhlapuku brings full-service costume rental to renewed A Blanc

The family business, which has been operating in Espoo since 2002, is opening a new store in renewed shopping centre A Blanc.

Shortcut AALTO opens an inspiring and modern salon in renewed A Blanc

The original Shortcut hair salon was founded approximately 30 years ago in Tapiola, Espoo. The core concept has remained the same over the years: high quality service and upscale and cosy salons. Now the fourth Shortcut salon, Shortcut AALTO, is opening its doors in the renewed shopping centre A Blanc.