Kela Headquarters

Kela Headquarters is an administrative building in Taka-Töölö composed of several connected structures arranged around a central courtyard. The exterior features red brick, copper elements, and black granite, while the interior houses offices for national pension and healthcare services.

Alvar Aalto won the design competition in 1948 for the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, and construction took place between 1953 and 1956. The building became the headquarters for managing national pension and healthcare services for the country.

The customer service hall reflects how social services are organized in Finland, with separate areas designed to give people privacy during visits. This layout shows the importance placed on treating each person with dignity when they interact with government offices.

The building is accessible by public transport in the Taka-Töölö neighborhood and sits among residential areas and other services. Visitors should note that certain areas may require appointments or have restrictions on when they can be entered.

The customer service hall is lit by three prism-shaped skylights designed by Aalto to direct natural light deep into the interior space. This careful lighting system shows how the architect understood the importance of brightness in administrative buildings where people conduct business.