Riihimäki water tower, Water and observation tower in Harjukylä, Finland.
Riihimäki water tower is an observation and water storage structure in Harjukylä, featuring yellow brick walls and white-rendered concrete pilasters situated on the highest ridge of the town. The building holds water supplies while offering views across the surrounding landscape from its upper level.
The tower was designed and built in 1952 by architect Erik William Bryggman, with original plans including museum and café spaces. The lower floors later served a college for teaching handicrafts and design.
The tower displays a blend of Finnish utility and architectural consideration in its proportions and window arrangement, showing how practical buildings can also be thoughtfully designed. Visitors experience this balance between function and form while moving through the structure.
The tower is accessible at the town's highest point and provides panoramic views from its upper level for visitors to survey the surrounding region. Access involves climbing interior stairs to reach the viewing area.
The glass-walled stairwell inside creates a continuous upward view as visitors climb, an unexpected feature in a functional utility structure. This transparent design gives the ascent an unusual sense of openness rare in industrial buildings.
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