Vallila Library is, according to architect Juha Leiviskä, the first building where he succeeded to embody his ideas of the freedom of architectural form. The small, humble library and its neighbouring kindergarten are placed on a small plot within the historically protected wooden housing area Puu-Vallila. In the early plans, the library was proposed to be situated in a more central location along the main street. According to Juha Leiviskä, the final site was not his first choice but “option 4F”.

The focal point of the interior is what the architect calls ‘the piazza’, the highest space of the building. Leiviskä has had a lifelong interest and passion for Baroque architecture. Other themes that are associated with his architecture are the use of space as an instrument for light, harmonic systems of music, and the principles of humanity.

The text is an extract from the chapter ‘Option 4F’ of Mind-Building, Finland’s exhibition at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.

Location

Päijänteentie 3-5, Helsinki
60.1921448, 24.9629313

Images

Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Simo Rista / Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Simo Rista / Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Simo Rista / Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Simo Rista / Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Simo Rista / Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Scale model, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Scale model, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Scale model, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Scale model, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Floor plan, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Floor plan, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Plan projection, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Plan projection, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Section, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Section, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Section, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Section, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)
Section, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre
Section, Vallila Library and Daycare Centre (© Vilhelm Helander, Juha Leiviskä Architects)

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