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The Kalasatama Centre. Photo:Helin & Co
Expanding horizons With over 40 awards and prizes to its name, Helin & Co is one of Finland’s leading architect firms. Armed with genuine passion and a string of ambitious projects at home and abroad, no challenge is too big for these architectural giants who are making a notable mark on Helsinki’s cityscape and skyline. By Ndéla Faye
From Nokia’s and Finnair’s headquarters to the Finnish government, Helin & Co are no strangers to large-scale projects and high-profile clients. The architect firm’s creative work can be seen throughout Helsinki’s most notable buildings and the headquarters of some of the country’s biggest companies. In 2004, the company completed works on Little Parliament, an additional annexe to the parliament building in Helsinki, and 86 | Issue 89 | June 2016
they are currently renovating the entire parliament buildings, set to be completed next year. Many of Helsinki’s iconic buildings are the result of Helin & Co’s creative thinking and ambitious architectural projects. The firm currently employs 78 people, whose expertise covers architectural and interior design, urban planning, and specialised conceptual design.
Making a mark Authenticity and clarity are at the core of each of Helin & Co’s creations. “It’s all about poetic tectonics,” says Pekka Helin, founder of Helin & Co Architects. Paying homage to the British architect and historian, Kenneth Frampton, Helin continues: “The architect always sees the world from within their own context: our experiences, background and way of viewing the world shape our work.” Simplicity and clarity are both imperative to Helin & Co, and wood is an important feature in many of their designs. “Architecture cannot be separated from the architect. We don’t do ready-made projects: each project is designed in the context of an existing space and we carefully consider the client’s needs, designing accordingly. Scenographic thinking is