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WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityThis year, Helsinki celebrates its status as the <a href="http://wdchelsinki2012.fi/en" target="_blank">World Design Capital</a>. For the event, a group of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/wood-program-at-aalto-university/" target="_blank">Alto University students</a> have designed a wooden pavilion which, along with the <a href="http://www.designmuseum.fi/en/">Design Museum</a> and the <a href="http://www.mfa.fi/frontpage">Museum of Finnish Architecture</a>, will be the heart of the city until the end of the Design Capital celebration in September. The Pavilion’s wooden architecture is based on Pyry-Pekka Kantonen’s winning design that was selected last spring. According to the jury members, the new pavilion is “a relaxed, human-oriented ‘living room in a city’, which encourages participation.”1
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityIt is a multifunctional gathering place, serving as a complimentary venue to the city’s existing cultural content.2
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityThe Pavilion’s wooden architecture is based on Pyry-Pekka Kantonen’s winning design that was selected last spring.3
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityThe whole structure consists of a base and terrace, the premises, pillars and a roofed area.4
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityThe triangulated roof is transparent, which lets the pavilion bathe in natural light.5
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityEach pillar is a six-pointed veneer plywood box structure.6
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityThe program of events is very rich, ranging from yoga lessons on Thursday mornings to roundtables and workshops where people can learn about and discuss the future of interior and urban design, with a strong focus on the quality of life.7
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityAlong with educational programs, the concept of sustainable urban living can be found even in the pavilion’s café, where visitors can taste locally grown summer food.8
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityA translucent curtain can be pulled around the side of the building to provide a more intimate atmosphere.9
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityAccording to the jury members, the new pavilion is “a relaxed, human-oriented ‘living room in a city’, which encourages participation”.10
WDC Helsinki 2012 Pavilion Aalto UniversityThe pillars of the roofed area are set on thick plates placed on the gravel base.11
