Harald Herlin Learning Centre

Guided tour application form

The first floor excluding the main lobby and the lower floor K are open for Aalto University faculty and students every day 7.00-24.00. Use your access token.

Modern multi-use library

Otaniemi’s library building was renovated and re-opened in Autumn 2016 as a multi-functional and modern Harald Herlin Learning Centre. Dynamic spaces support multi-disciplinary new types of learning, research and work.

The building features beautiful features of Alvar Aalto's (1898–1976) design, such as the fan-like shape of the building and the masterful use of indirect light. Harald Herlin Learning Centre and the Undergraduate Centre form one of Alvar Aalto's most important architectural building compilations.

There are two charging points for electric cars in the parking lot next to the building.

History

Elissa & Alvar Aalto designed the building as the Main Library of the Helsinki University of Technology during 1964–1968. The construction work began in 1968 and was completed in 1969. In January 1970 the library was opened for business.

In 2010 the library was retitled Otaniemi Campus Library and became a part of the new Aalto University and Aalto University Library.

During 2015–2016 the building was completely renovated. The renovation was designed by NRT Architects. The renovation was carried out with respect to the original plan, in cooperation with the National Board of Antiquities and the Alvar Aalto Foundation.

After the renovation the building was again retitled Harald Herlin Learning Centre in 2016. The name pays tribute to Bror Harald Herlin (1874–1941), who was a Finnish engineer, entrepreneur and industrialist. The renaming was connected to how Aalto University Library was retitled Aalto University Learning Centre.

Harald Herlin Learning Centre won the Finlandia Prize for Architecture on 2 October 2017.

Further information

Alvar Aalto and the architecture of the Otaniemi campus

Alvar Aalto (wikipedia.org)

Alvar Aalto -säätiö (alvaraalto.fi)