Inspired by the Shapes and Colours of Nature

The expansion of the municipal library in Kirkkonummi, a city near Helsinki, draws a U-shape around the existing building from the 1980s. A copper shell unites the existing structure and the expansion. The ornamentation of the rhombic panels is reminiscent of fishing nets and takes up the maritime tradition of the coastal city. The design of the interior is also in keeping with the tradition of modern Finnish library buildings. Inspired by the colours and shapes of nature, the walls and ceilings have been kept in white or clad with light-coloured oakwood. The brass luminaires and handrails form an elegant contrast, as do the muted shades of the seating upholstery in wool and felt. Fyrri − this is the name of the new library − is far more than a publicly accessible archive; it is a lively meeting place and the new heart of the 40,000-strong community.

JKMM Architects was established in 1998 after its four founding partners, who were still students at the time, won a significant architecture competition. Asmo Jaaksi, Teemu Kurkela, Samuli Miettinen and Juha Mäki-Jyllilä continue to lead the creative work of their firm, JKMM. Päivi Meuronen and Teemu Toivio have joined the group as new partners. The studio for architecture, interior design, urban planning, furniture design, graphic design and art now employs nearly 100 people. JKMM lays great value on preserving the legacy of old Finnish masters such as Alvar Aalto.

We feature this project in Detail 10.2021.