Built in 1936 on the site of a former Russian barracks as a landmark of modern architecture, the Lasipalatsi had lapsed over time into near dereliction.

This Urban Pilot Project in Helsinki involved the conversion of the historic Lasipalatsi building into a new centre of economic activity, combining information and communications technology with support for the arts and culture.

Under the Urban Pilot Project the building was skilfully renovated to become a film and media centre. The renovation, which was preceded by an extensive study of the original plans, materials and method of construction, attempted to preserve as many of the original features of the building as possible.

The Centre now houses more then 20 companies, which between them employ approximately 200 staff, and has more than 100 000 visitors per month. In summer, Lasipalatsi is one of the venues for the Helsinki Festival, which attracts more then 200 000 visitors to its theatre, musical and dance performances.

The centre also offers free access to modern information technology and cultural services, including 20 Internet workstations, equipment and communication facilities for video and media producers, a public library and bookshop, two art cinemas and other media facilities. There are web kiosks and a “Home-Page-Machine”, which helps visitors to create their own homepage. The rehabilitation of public space around the Centre has also created a meeting place for those interested in cultural and media activities.

The Lasipalatsi Centre makes information technology accessible to a wider audience, especially those who due to age or social status feel remote and excluded from its benefits. The project has created a focal point for urban life, providing inhabitants and disadvantaged communities with access to the modern information and media society.

Inhabitants and disadvantaged communities

Contributions were made by: Nokia Corporation, the National Broadcasting Corporation, a television channel (MTV 3) and the Finnish Film Archive. The project was managed by the City of Helsinki which established the Media Centre Project Steering Group in order to bring together the project’s partners.

The Urban Pilot Project conducted from 1997 - 1999 received EU contribution of 2,7 mio EURO. Total costs amounted to 9,0 mio EURO.

Cable Factory
Ms Marjatta Raunila (Project Leader), tel. +358 9 47 63 83 01

//1997

case

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Urban renewal