The “new” Hippostalo Office Building is a reminder that architecture is about people, their needs and their aspirations. The Hippostalo Office Building is a radical reappraisal of the very nature of an office building: instead of a solid core the heart of the building is a vertical open space which expands up to the height of the building with a large indoor garden at Ground Floor comprising typical indigenous finnish tree plants. There are bridges-like at level 2 and 3 linking one end to the other of the central atrium opening: these bridges are in position for both structural reason and to enable users to cross the space in a short time. The vertical atrium space and gardens are also part of a unique system of natural ventilation. This is one of the energy saving concepts of the design. As well as helping to create a more human and relaxing place to work, the gardens are meeting points and offer the opportunity for a relaxing snack or social gathering. From inside offer views, which penetrate from one side to the other across the full width of the building. Facing the central courtyard there’s the restaurant/canteen in the same location as the current situation. Linked to the restaurant there is an open decked terrace for employees to enjoy a bit of sun overlooking the green lawn. At the very top end of the central atrium find its place an open bar that will serve drinks to employees or visitors. The existing vertical structure stays intact. The other levels, overlooking the open space, are characterized by an open space solution. The west side of the office building is organized according to an open office space layout creating a sense of community. Open space allows for better communication and exchange of information among co-workers, some employees prefer being among other people, not wanting to feel “closed in” or “all alone. Lots of attention has been put on how we could facilitate contact between users. Throughout the building, there are places which invite people to chat, have a coffee or stop briefly for a serious discussion. As well as the open atrium in the lower wing of the Hippostalo Office complex throughout the building but mainly on the South and West façade we have created terraces without disturbing the existing structure. These terraces bring a double function to the users: they become a meeting place during office hours and at the same time it is a source of fresh air without the use of mechanical systems. Natural light is also one of the driving aspects of this project. The solid walls of the existing façades are replaced with a floor to ceiling triple glazed low E-windows, allowing only the structural columns to survive. Green roofs find their location on top of the main Hippostalo building complex and on top of the lower wing for workers at level 4 to 7 to enjoy some natural landscape. On top of level 4 almost as an independent element from the office structure lies the new gym. Structurally still an appendix to the main building but visually an independent entity. Gym at work is perfect to boost morale for workers, to socialize and it is cost effective to saving in time, car journeys and new gym subscriptions to third party structures. The gym is organized on a 360° space around a central block where arrival, changing rooms and sauna are located. Sustainability, comfort for its users, natural light and air with a central open garden are the main aspects of the design, a new “Lintukoto” in Tampere.
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