Helsinki University, Exactum

“Physicum” and “Exactum” were drawn up on the basis of an architectural competition held in 1997. “Physicum” completed in 2001 and “Exactum” in 2004. The buildings are part of the Helsinki University Kumpula campus area and a long-term plan in which laboratory, teaching and research facilities of various university departments are concentrated on three campuses outside the city centre. The main concept in the winning entry was to develop functionally and architecturally dense units, which are grouped along a common external space. Taking into account the topography of the area – Kumpula hill is one of the highest spots in the city – the new campus will have an important role both symbolically and from a cityscape point of view.

The facilities of the Department of Physical Sciences have been placed in “Physicum”, as well as a library servicing the whole campus. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and the Dept of Computer Science are in “Exactum”. The main materials of the facades, whitened concrete block and an untreated aluminium grid, are repeated inside the building. The wood and veneer surfaces give colour and warmth to the pedestrian routes.

Senate Properties, University Premises /
Mauri Tuomioja, Chief Engineer,University Premises
Haatela-rakennuttaminen Oy / Risto Partanen, Risto Aalto

Architectural design Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects
Author Professor Rainer Mahlamäki, M.Sc (Archit.)
Principal in Charge Riitta Id, M.Sc (Archit.)
Collaborators Tarja Suvisto, B.Sc (Archit.)
Marko Santala, M.Sc (Archit.)
Petri Saarelainen, M.Sc (Archit.)
Mia Bungers, B.Sc (Archit.)
Markku Oivo, student of Architecture
Heikki Viiri, M.Sc (Archit.)
Jukka Savolainen, M.Sc (Archit.)
Hanna Suomi, Student of Architecture
Miguel Silva, M.Sc (Archit.)
Paula Julin, M.Sc (Archit.)

Structural design Insinööritoimisto Konsulttikolmio Oy
Electrical design Insinööritoimisto Lausamo Oy
Services design Insinööritoimisto Kontermo Oy
Interior design Sisustusarkkitehdit Gullsten & Inkinen