EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - The Lasipalatsi Film and Media Centre

The Lasipalatsi Film and Media Centre

Introduction

The Lasipalatsi Film and Media Centre: the successful refurbishment of an architecturally valuable complex

Problem

How can one preserve an architecturally valuable building whilst filling a cultural gap and stimulating the local economy?

Description

The Lasipalatsi building, an old cinema in the downtown area of Helsinki, is a listed modernist structure. The building, constructed in 1936, is considered to be a landmark work of modern architecture in Finland. Before the restructuring project, not enough use was made of this monumental complex. The location of the Lasipalatsi building at the very heart of the city made it a very attractive place for redevelopment. Since much of Finland’s building stock is relatively new, demolition of the complex was not an option. Another perceived inner city problem in Helsinki was the lack of opportunities for citizens to access the Internet.

Approach

The project had six main objectives:

to preserve the architecturally valuable Lasipalatsi building;
to offer citizens the possibility to improve their IT skills;
to support the development of information and communication technology and its use;
to fill a perceived ‘cultural gap’ in the city centre;
to stimulate economic activity in a declining neighbourhood;
to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme beyond the Urban Pilot Project funding.

The project, a so-called Urban Pilot Project (UPP), was for a large part funded under the URBAN Community Initiative 1994-1999. In December 1997 a separate management unit, the Lasipalatsi Company, was created. This unit’s task was to implement the UPP in close cooperation with the City of Helsinki. During the lifetime of the management unit a large number of pubic-private partnerships were established with tenants in the complex. The main objectives of these partnerships were to plan joint actions to promote the centre and ensure its viability.

Results

The physical restructuring of the Lasipalatsi building was completed in December 1999. Since its opening the centre has become a meeting point for people, culture, media and innovation. It has greatly enhanced the city centre’s image as a vibrant and cultural place. In restructuring the building its initial interior and exterior design were fully respected.
The centre is attracting more than 100,000 visitors a month, much more than initially expected. In 2000, the Cable Book Library was visited by 1,000 to 1,500 people daily. The Biorex Cinema hosted over 430 premier film screenings between January and June 2000. In the same period, the film theatre hosted 60 other public and private events. Today, the complex houses more than 20 companies.

Contact info

City of Helsinki - Cultural Office
Marianna Kajantie, tel. +35 891692386

Contact info

Lasipalatsi Film and Media Centre
Phone: +35 896126570
info@lasipalatsi.fi

Project start date

01/01/1997

Links

The Lasipalatsi Film and Media Centre

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Skills improvement