OP Financial Group Vallila Campus

OP Financial Group is Finland’s leading financial services group. Instead of a traditional high-rise office, the company preferred to create a campus-like city block to create a better working environment.

The target is to create modifiable and flexible premises that support new ways of operating in the financial sector. Ninety per cent of the premises is open office space and the employees are encouraged to work in different parts of the building. Once the new buildings are finished, the Vallila campus will provide a workplace for about 3 300 OP Financial Group employees.

Courtesy of JKMM Architects

The premises were designed for functionality, modifiability, and fitness for purpose. The aim was an urban quarter that functions as a coherent whole embodies the modern work environment and boasts a distinct identity firmly rooted in OP’s values. The interior path, referred to as the gallery, with its circular glass roof, functions as a meeting place and the center of the block, and combines various operational units such as restaurants, meeting facilities and wellbeing services.

Durability and high quality were primary considerations in the design and material selection for the Vallila Helsinki Campus. Natural materials, stone, and wood were preferred for the interior surfaces and furniture. The furniture is chosen among Finnish artists and designers. The design classics from OP’s old premises were utilized as well. The campus’ interior design incorporates color in a harmonious way, giving respect to the hues of the natural materials used. Orange, OP’s brand color, appears as an accent, for example, in the upholstery of the furniture.

Courtesy of JKMM Architects

Art is a significant part of the interior. One of the restaurants features a light installation the size of the ceiling, a unique lamina pendant designed by Interior Designer Petri Vainio. The custom-made fixture casts a soft and inviting light on the lower café space, providing a contrast to the high and spacious light well. Wood artist Ilona Rista designed the wall of the auditorium, which combines art with practicality by improving the acoustics and lighting of the space. Lämpöaalto, a unique wool rug designed for OP by Elina Helenius, welcomes guests and softens the granite of the entrance hall.

Courtesy of JKMM Architects

Project Info
Architects: JKMM Architects
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Client: OP Financial Group
Scale: 130 000 m2
Status: Completed
Year: 2015
Type: Office Building
Photographs: Mika Huisman, Tuomas Uusheimo, Archmospheres.com