Registration for Helsinki Central Library architectural competition underway

As part of the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 programme, the City of Helsinki is organising an open international architectural competition for the design of the Central Library.

‘The Heart of the Metropolis’ architectural competition seeks to create a new age library, and ideas for its operation will also be collected from citizens during 2012.

Registrations accepted online

Design teams can register online at http://kilpailu.keskustakirjasto.fi/. Registrations are accepted until 30 March 2012.

From the entries received during the first phase of the competition, the judges will select 6-8 proposals they consider the best for further development during the second phase.

Open operation in central location

As well as the actual library functions, the building will have spaces for events, residents’ own projects and participation. The library of the future is a place open to all, where people seek not only information and enjoyment from reading, but also opportunities to learn and utilise new technological applications in order to produce information.

The library building will stand in the Töölönlahti area. The goal is a vibrant and functionally versatile meeting place for people and an eco-efficient landmark building. The site is exceptionally prestigious, as it lies centrally opposite Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and Helsinki Music Centre. The building will complete the ambience of the southern Töölönlahti cityscape and be visible from a great distance.