The newest Werstas, a Kalevala-themed workspace, was completed in DataCity in summer 2023. The starting point for the design was to utilize the existing space. The architectural and interior design of Kalevala was handled by Pia Sabelström from Arkkitehtitoimisto Sabelström.* What kind of contrasts can you find in Kalevala? And how is the imagery of our national epic reflected in the space?
Red-brick DataCity meets a 2020s coworking space
DataCity is a building in the Science Park area familiar to many, and there was no deliberate effort to erase its history. The property's old brick walls were preserved, and a large amount of glass surface was added as a contrast. The goal for Kalevala was to create a modern office environment that still reflects the building's long history.
— The Kalevala theme was a natural continuation for Werstas, which is connected to Joki. The theme, which draws inspiration from Finnish nature, also continues in the interior of Kalevala. In addition to Kalevala-themed illustrations, for example, interior wallpapers by Saana and Olli can be found in both Kalevala and Werstas Joki, says Anniina Savisalo, Design Manager and architect at Teknologiakiinteistöt. The interior wallpapers were supplied by the company Hyssny, which specializes in design acoustics.
However, Kalevala's work cafe also has a touch of something new. A real eye-catcher in the space is the striking custom wall with a Puupaanu pattern by Jukola Industries, which is like a work of art in itself.
Responsible procurement and warehouse treasures
As a real estate investment company, Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt wants to actively develop its operations to be even more responsible. The company offers furniture rental as a service to its office space customers. This sparked the idea: could existing chairs, tables, and lounge furniture in good condition be utilized for the new Werstas?
— We didn't have to buy new furniture; we were able to recycle furniture from our own warehouses. Some of the furniture was in otherwise good condition but just needed reupholstering. For example, the work cafe sofa and the meeting room chairs were reupholstered, and they now look like new, says Service Manager Katri Pyöli, who was responsible for furniture procurement.
The lighting fixtures in the meeting rooms have previously been used in other spaces and now fit perfectly into Kalevala. Also, the black seats in the entrance lobby may be familiar to some from the meeting rooms at the ElectroCity Werstas.
— A round table and chairs were purchased for the Teräs meeting room in ElectroCity at the users' request, and this allowed us to utilize the black chairs here. As a landlord, we want to continuously develop our responsibility and set an example of how, by rethinking, even old furniture can be turned into great new office ensembles, continues Katri Pyöli.
Services connect the floors
Kalevala ja Werstas Joki toimivat hyvin yhdessä, ja niiden välillä liikkuminen on helppoa. Monitoimilaite sijaitsee Kalevalassa, kun taas alakerran Joessa on enemmän valikoimaa neuvottelutiloissa. Isompiin tilaisuuksiin on helppo varata Werstaan välitömässä läheisyyydessä sijaitsevia Vierailu- ja innovaatiokeskus Joen tiloja. Molemmissa tiloissa on oma kahviautomaatti, jonka äärellä on helppo vaihtaa kuulumisia myös eri kerrosten toimijoiden välillä.
— I am really satisfied with the result. The furniture procurement as a whole was a big package, and the space looks very functional now that it is finished, says Katri Pyöli with a contented smile.
*Arkkitehtitoimisto Sabelström is now part of Lukkaroinen Arkkitehdit.