Collage: September
Collage is a monthly summary of Olla’s news. In September, the spotlight was on projects that, in their own ways, illustrate the broader societal impact that construction projects can have.
Akvarelli awarded in Australia’s most prestigious design competition
The Good Design Awards is Australia’s most esteemed design competition, recognizing local and international design projects in 12 different categories each year. This year’s theme, “The Design Effect,” highlighted how design can significantly advance societal development at its best.
The Forssa Multipurpose Centre Akvarelli was awarded in the competition’s architecture category. The jury praised the village-like structure of the center, which creates an engaging and high-quality learning environment for children. Additionally, the jury noted that the project successfully achieved its goal of creating a community-centered, expertly designed, and beautifully finished building that integrates well into its surroundings.
The award given to Olla is above all a testament to excellent collaboration and the achievement of goals set with the City of Forssa. “Our primary objective is always to create the best possible building together with the client. Awards are valuable proof that we’ve succeeded. The international recognition of a Finnish school building also speaks to our society’s commitment to children and the future,” says lead architect of the project, Jani Ristimäki.
Read more about Akvarelli’s award here.
Kaikukatu 3 is almost complete – the project implemented several successful circular economy solutions, one of which is converting windows into glass walls
Kaikukatu 3 is an office building constructed in the 1970s in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. Olla has been responsible for the lead, architectural, and interior design of the project, which has become an excellent example of the viability of renovation and circular economy.
From the perspective of circular economy and sustainability, the most essential decision was that the building’s owner, Areim, boldly chose to renovate the building rather than demolish it. This decision has since led to numerous creative solutions aligned with circular economy thinking, one of the most significant being the conversion of 600 windows into glass partition walls.
The office building, faithful to its 1970s heritage, has been restored to its deserved value through renovations where economic, ecological, and cultural sustainability go hand in hand.
Read more about Kaikukatu here.
New images of Ilmalanlinna, the office complex aiming to be a holistically optimal work environment
Ilmalanlinna is an impressive five-building office complex located in Helsinki. Olla designed the first three office buildings, along with a two-story parking garage serving the entire complex, which were completed in 2015. The buildings from the expansion phase were finished in early 2023, resulting in a diverse and modern office complex.
Ilmalanlinna’s planning and construction were led by an ambitious goal to create a building that is fully ecological regarding both technical solutions and the aspects of services and accessibility. At the same time, Ilmalanlinna aimed to provide an environmentally, physically, and socially optimal work environment. Ilmalanlinna’s latest new resident is DNA, a company known for its modern work culture, which moved its headquarters to the building in August.
Read more about Ilmalanlinna here.
Success in architecture doesn’t happen alone – Olla’s autumn party celebrated great partners, clients, and colleagues
Olla aims to bring people, ideas, and expertise together – both in projects and beyond. In September, the Ruoholahti office was transformed into a relaxed after-work venue, complete with a hotdog cart, ice cream bar, and a DJ. The purpose of Olla’s autumn party was to celebrate, above all, collaboration and all the people who make it possible. Olla firmly believes that anything is possible in architecture when the right talents are united to achieve it.
