Helsinki University main building to go under renovation

The Board of the University of Helsinki on Wednesday made a decision on renovating the Main Building of the University.

The first stage of the renovation will begin in the summer of 2019, lasting approximately two years, said a University Press Release.

The purpose of the renovation is to bring the technical and functional features of the property up to modern standards.

During the first stage, the renovation will focus on the side facing Senate Square, designed by C. L. Engel, and the wings located on Yliopistonkatu and Aleksanterinkatu.

“The renovation is intended to transform the facilities of the Main Building into modern teaching facilities, that is, to better meet the needs of current methods of studying and teaching,” said Tom Böhling, vice-rector in charge of University facilities.

During the renovation, accessibility, facility and fire safety, as well as indoor air quality will be improved.

“The old part of the Main Building was completed in 1832, and it falls short of the requirements of modern accessibility regulations. The façade of the building will also be renovated, while the outdated building technology systems will be replaced. After the renovation, the functionality and accessibility of the facilities will be improved,” explained Teppo Salmikivi, director of the Facilities and Properties sector.

The intention is to have the Great Hall of the Main Building available for the conferment ceremony to be held in May 2021, while teaching facilities should be completed by the beginning of the autumn term 2021. A more detailed plan and the related decision will be made at a later date for the second stage, focused on the new part of the building facing Fabianinkatu. All in all, the estimated duration of the renovation of the Main Building is five years.