Ympäristötalo, Municipal office building in Karjasilta, Oulu, Finland.
Ympäristötalo is a five-story office building in Karjasilta featuring a distinctive weathered Cor-Ten steel facade that gives it a strong visual presence. It houses approximately 260 municipal employees from various city departments in a unified facility.
Construction was completed in summer 2011, with the building designed by architectural firm Vauhtiviiva Oy under lead architect Juha Pasanen. Its opening marked the consolidation of multiple municipal departments into one coordinated facility.
The lobby houses a multi-part glass art installation titled Greenhouse, created by artist Maija Louekari in 2011, which shapes the entrance experience.
The main entrance is located at Solistinkatu 2 and is straightforward to find by following the street numbering. The building is open during business hours for visitors needing to access municipal services or to explore the artful lobby space.
The Cor-Ten steel facade was deliberately chosen for its ability to age naturally over time, developing a protective rust patina that reduces maintenance needs. This choice allows the building to visibly mature with the seasons rather than requiring constant upkeep.
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