Kirjatalo, Modernist commercial building in central Helsinki, Finland
The Kirjatalo features a copper-clad exterior with a central atrium design that channels natural light through geometric skylights into the interior spaces.
Retail company Stockmann organized an architectural competition in 1961, which Alvar Aalto won, leading to the building's completion in 1969.
The Academic Bookstore within Kirjatalo functions as a central literature hub, offering an extensive collection of books across multiple floors.
The building contains 8,861 square meters of space, with the Academic Bookstore occupying both main and upper floors formerly used as offices.
The interior showcases Carrara marble flooring and balustrades surrounding the central hall, complementing the natural illumination from the prism-shaped roof openings.
Location: Helsinki
Inception: 1969
Architects: Alvar Aalto
Part of: Esplanadi-Bulevardi, Gasellen
GPS coordinates: 60.16786,24.94356
Latest update: March 13, 2025 12:30
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