Originally opened in 1998, the Pikku Huopalahti local library was looking for a fresher look that appealed to contemporary residents. The aim was to design a multi-purpose library for different user groups. There is a daycare centre and a school in the same building, and the children use the library as a teaching space. “The space looked rundown and a bit neglected, so we wanted to freshen it up. Another aim was to be more involved in the annual events of the nearby school and make reading more popular among children over the long term,” says Lotta Muurinen, who previously served as the library director.

“The aim was to make the compact library feel bigger. For example, we created several different areas inside the space and used furniture dividers to make the space usable by several groups at the same time. We also designed more diverse workplaces for the staff,” says Maiju Hatakka, Lead Designer for the Project, explaining the project from a design point of view.

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the conceptual design, interior design, graphic design and project organisation of the Pikku Huopalahti library, as well as the involvement of different user groups in the design. Three workshops were held with local preschoolers, schoolchildren and other residents during the design process. The residents wanted a peaceful and safe environment that would offer a cosy and comfortable resting and reading space – nest-like nooks for relaxation. On the other hand, they also wanted longer opening hours, surprises and participation opportunities for users of different ages, such as through art, fairy tale readings and other events.

The design drivers for the project were:

• Feels bigger than its actual size: The library is spatially clear and easy to use. The small space adapts to a wide range of functions, serving user groups of all sizes. Users of different ages are also taken into account.
• Inspiring: The space welcomes users to explore, offering surprises and the joy of discovery. The fun spatial experience and nest-like nooks also inspire exploring literature.
• Fresh: The colour palette of the space repeats the colours of the surrounding architecture. The bright space feels refreshing while also offering many activities.
• Gentle: The library is an open and inviting place for all children. The calm and welcoming environment is a comfortable and safe space.

“Everything went really well. You understood the wishes of residents exceptionally well,” says Lotta. “It was good that Inkeri, one of our librarians, who knows the most about practical issues, was also actively involved,” adds Sami.

The redesigned library consists of a larger library room and a group workspace that has been adapted for more diverse activities. The library was designed so that it can be used by several groups at the same time, if necessary: a larger group can sit on the reading mat, a smaller group in the loft and a third group on the group workspace side in a quieter environment. In the past, the group workspace was only used as a background space for staff; however, thanks to the new furniture, presentation technology and reading corner, it will also be possible to hold language courses, for example.

“The result is really nice, completely different from the old library. The children think it looks great, and it is much more functional. Communicating with you has been easy, and your responses have been so clear that we have understood them, although we are not experienced in renovations,” Sami explains.

The pleasure of discovery is brought to life by the versatile functionalities that were designed together with the users and the inspiring postmodern visuals. “The space is divided into different areas, so that not everything is revealed when you step in. In addition, all the shelves in the library hall, for example, are movable, so that the space can also be adapted to different groups,” explains Oona Auramo, Interior Architect. “We wanted to create a delightful experience. The finished plans contain many elements that the children wished for in the workshop – for example, a loft, kinetic art and quiet spaces for relaxation. It will be great to see the children’s reactions in the finished space,” concludes enthusiastically Riikka Kuukka, AD.

Read the City of Helsinki’s article on the renewed library and contact us.

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the interior architecture and graphic design of Miljöö, as well as organising the implementation. The renovation was carried out together with restaurant owner Ari Zerza and restaurant manager Ilona Poutiainen. “We wanted to give Miljöö a clear identity that differs from the former Töölön Sävel. The aim was to maintain the cosy and slightly vintage atmosphere, but make it fresher and brighter. We did not want to make the place too fine dining or something that would scare away the customers. We wanted to make the restaurant better and warmer,” Ari explains. The project was also special for Rune & Berg, which has had an office in Töölö since 2011. “It was great to be involved in creating the rebirth of a restaurant that is important to many Töölö residents and raising the standard also in terms of interior design,” says Design Strategist Sini Ala-Nikula with a smile.

• strengthen the brand image of a high-quality local bistro
• design an all-encompassing spatial experience
• maintain and emphasise the relaxed and accessible atmosphere

As is typical of the restaurant industry, the design and renovation were carried out quite quickly: “We worked very closely together because I wanted to open the place by the first of May. Ilona and I came to your office, where the first ideas were born, and it was nice to see what kind of materials will be used in the premises. I was a little sceptical about the floor at first, but in the end I liked it the most, it goes really well with the bar counter,” Ari describes the agile design process that was implemented in connection with the pipe renovation.

Miljöö recently turned ten. After the renewal, it is still a casual bistro, but every square metre has been put to the best possible use. “The restaurant has minimised unnecessary passageways and the bar counter, which also serves as a reception desk, has been moved near the entrance so that staff can welcome customers as soon as they arrive. In addition, the materials palette has been harmonised and, for example, the lighting improved, which allows the staff to create different atmospheres,” says Riina Ruska, Lead Designer for the project. “An added benefit is that work will be easier for staff after the renovation, because, for example, the hall is divided into two parts instead of three,” says Ari.

Miljöö now stands out in terms of its warm, yet slightly more sophisticated interior design. The familiar green colour scheme and beautifully patinated vintage furniture were complemented by timeless lamps and genuine and durable materials, such as the bar counter with its green granite bar table and copper ceramic tiles. The restaurant also features unique mirrors that add a sense of space, as well as a nearly 100-year-old clock, originally from Kosovo, that is reminiscent of roots and family.

All in all, the renewed Miljöö has been very well received: “Customers and the entire staff have welcomed the renewal warmly. Everyone is proud to tell customer what has already been done and what is still to come,” Ari concludes with a smile.

For example, the City magazine wrote about the renewal of the 10-year-old Miljöö (in Finnish).

The aim of the project was to make Kalasatama Library into a meaningful and bold space that challenges the role of local libraries. The 400-square metre library is located in a busy transport hub on the second floor of Redi shopping centre, in a constantly growing and evolving neighbourhood. The space resembles a piece of art and is tightly linked to the city’s strategic target of renewing the role of libraries and strengthening art and culture that bring people joy and unite them after difficult times. Kalasatama Library has been made from many small observations and great ideas shared by the city, the library staff, schoolchildren, residents and senior citizens. “We got a wonderful, colourful and comfortable space into Kalasatama. The new library supports the realisation of the most important goal, i.e. encouraging people to read”, Erna Marttila, director of Kalasatama’s library, states happily.

• Undefined: Everyone may define themselves here. We are by your side!
• Discovery: You are permitted to experiment and discover here. We encourage it!
• Safe: We need a safe atmosphere where we can define ourselves and open our minds to discover something new.
• Dream-like: The space does not give ready-made answers, only hints that we may interpret as we wish. We permit you to dream and find new ideas.
• Surprising: Surprises remind us of our thought patterns. Let’s redefine the ordinary.

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the overall concept, interior architectural design and graphic look of the library, as well as project management. The project team also included a graphic designer intern who let their imagination fly in the graphic illustrations. Resident involvement was another key part of the project and Rune & Berg Design’s tasks. The underlying theme was a longing for peace to balance hectic and noisy daily life. People wanted quiet nooks, colours, joy, playfulness, softness, casualness, surprises, permissibility and participation.

“The library serves two different use cases: quick visits, such as returning a book, and on the other hand, it also offers a peaceful place to hang out. In addition, the functions and customer service furniture have been placed so that library personnel can be reached as easily as possible by customers”, Erna describes the end result.

The new library is an experiential and holistic piece of spatial art that inspires its visitors to find something new. It offers charming areas of recreation and different atmospheres for relaxing, playing games, reading or meeting others. The space wants to question the definition of normal and let everyone re-define it. For example, in the dream-like corner the sky merges with the sea. The sun changes its colour and sets below the horizon upside down, which send our thoughts flying. The modifiable lighting enable changing and enhancing the atmosphere of the space.

Creating Kalasatama Library, a library that challenges the familiar, also required the designers to have the courage to think outside the box: “We defined a target for ourselves: not to create anything representative. We wanted to create a style that had not been seen before and exceptionally inspiring elements for users. We wanted to break the boundaries between the wall and the floor and make familiar things in unexpected ways,” say Sara Tuohikumpu, Lead Designer for the project, Johanna Happonen, Interior Architect, and Riikka Kuukka, AD.

Kalasatama Library has been exceptionally well received. It has received a lot of media attention, and 12,056 people visited it during the opening week alone. “Kalasatama library has attracted a lot of positive feedback. It is a great example of realising the goals of Helsinki’s city strategy: the library is located in a growing area and is an inviting place that matches the character of the district. It attracts people to the library and thus helps to make Helsinki the capital of reading and literacy,” Saara sums up.

“We wanted to give each visitor an opportunity to renew themselves and find something new, to learn through education and knowledge. The library makes people stop and think, inviting even adults to let their guard down. This is the path to new discoveries, and people can, for example, borrow a book they would not have borrowed otherwise,” says Sara.

The joy of creating new things was evident even before the opening: the eyes of the library staff sparkled and the partners were also excited about the project.  “The story evolved and lived on – everyone understood that we were creating something good and important together. This was a project where everyone worked wholeheartedly,” Johanna concludes.

You can read more about the project, for example, in the article that was published in Helsingin Sanomat in the opening week (in Finnish).

The new 300-m2 library in Jätkäsaari was opened on the second floor of Huutokonttori in early 2022. The aim was to design a playful library that is full of surprises, taking into account a child’s perspective and scale. “The idea for the library stems from the residents’ wishes: they wanted a place that is suitable for children and families, with colours, quiet reading spots and hiding places – something distinctive that would be suitable for the new residential area,” says Sara Tuohikumpu, Lead Designer for the project. “The aim was to create a compact but functional space. Playfulness was an important message: this library is intended for children. I think we achieved this well,” says Lasse Pekkarinen, Service Manager at the Jätkäsaari Library. “In the past, the activities and space did not support each other. We wanted to create a children’s library that would be both functional and cosy,” Riikka Penttilä, Specialty Librarian adds.

• surprising and welcoming
• fun and playful
• soft and warm
• communal and home-like

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the concept design and the spatial and furniture design, in cooperation with the client’s project group. Results from the resident survey, conducted by the library staff in 2021, were used in the design. The residents wanted a welcoming library that would be particularly designed for families and children. They wanted a peaceful space with areas for rest, relaxation and reading, either alone or with others. “The plans developed and found forms that we could not have anticipated. You provided us with the creative vision, and the process was exceptional,” Riikka says.

Each function has its own place in the revamped library, but the space also adapts, for example, to simultaneous use by multiple school groups. “For example, the stage supports the diverse use of the space. On weekdays, it is used for reading stories, but it can also be used for performances, as needed,” Sara says. The experience always resembles the users, and the space offers something new to discover every time.  “The library is full of surprising nooks and crannies and fascinating details that the visitors can discuss with their children,” says Sara. “The entire library is an inspiring journey of experiences. The child in me loves the story of the caterpillar that serves as the backbone of the customer experience,” says Raija Mattila, Account Manager at Rune & Berg Design, praising the end result.

The colour palette and adaptability of the library have received a lot of positive feedback. Choosing a favourite spot at the library is difficult for many, which shows how successful the design is.  “The colours make me feel great, and they also highlight the playful details, such as the caterpillar head. My favourite is the overall view that you sees as you enter,” Lasse says, describing the end result. “I love the colours, they make the atmosphere so cosy. I am glad that we did not choose bright primary colours. Many of our customers have also said that the library makes them feel calm, and the space is not grim like it used to be. My favourite spot is probably the stage, which I often use with the children. It was such a good idea,” Riikka continues.

The users also love the new library. “Most of the feedback we have received has been positive. People are positively surprised when they come here. We have had several daycare groups from other neighbourhoods visiting the library in the spring, and the typical reaction is “how can this place be so nice and is it all for children?” The children get excited immediately and start to explore the space. Even the smallest children understand that this space has been designed for them, and they look for places where they can make themselves comfortable,” says Riikka.

Check out the Herttoniemi Library, designed by Rune & Berg Design.

The Yrjönkatu swimming hall was opened in 1928, and it is a traditional leisure venue that is managed by the Culture and Leisure Division of the City of Helsinki. The aim of the project was to develop the customer experience and service environment as part of the renovation and renewal project. “A major goal was to improve the service and involve each employee in the development of the work environment and atmosphere. Our personnel has immense professional skills and expertise, and using these was one of the starting points for the project,” says Kara Koskinen, Team Leader at the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall. “This is a historical venue, so it was also important to cherish and strengthen the qualities that make the experience unique,” says Elina Järvinen, Service Designer at Rune & Berg Design.

• unique experience of urban culture
• bathing and swimming for everyone
• unhurried moment of well-being
• permanence in the changing world

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the service design project that resulted in the service model guide, spatial description and wayfinding concept. These guides will be used in the induction training of new employees into the new concept, as well as for the design of the spaces, in particular, the lobby, the service point and the lounge area.

The project was carried out in cooperation with the swimming hall staff, users, service providers and other stakeholders who were involved in the project planning, such as the real estate developer, main designer and accessibility consultant.  “We made sure that the voice of customers and employees was heard in the design and that the facilities would be functional both technically and from the point of view of users. In particular, the genuine participation of employees was an important and valuable asset for the client throughout the process. For the client, this served as a benchmark for how other swimming halls and the city’s services in general should develop their services,” Elina says.

“The project is a wonderful example of our core expertise. We know how to design spaces, the customer experience, graphics and signs. For the client, it is convenient to have one design partner that can create the full concept,” Elina continues. “The project’s plans and everything else R&B provided to us were extremely clear and well-organised. Holding workshops and check-up meetings for the steering group was easy. Even I was able to keep track of what was going on alongside my other duties,” Kara says, praising the cooperation.

The Yrjönkatu swimming hall offers an unhurried moment of well-being in unique surroundings. While most swimming halls focus on athletic performance, Yrjönkatu specialises in leisure and relaxation. The functions of the entrance hall, in particular, were re-examined on the basis of customer feedback and the goal of unhurried customer experience. “We allocated clear sections of the lobby to waiting and ensured that people do not have to queue and take their shoes off in a pass-through area. We also brought stories to the lobby and enhanced the atmosphere. While people are waiting in the lobby, they can look at historic photographs instead of their smartphones. This way, the unhurried experience starts immediately at the doorstep,” Elina describes.

The project also addressed the service model and employee experience. The aim was to facilitate work, harmonise the customer experience and make the employees proud of the work they do. “The materials we produced during the project are extremely valuable. In particular, I am impressed by how we made the team participate and produced a concrete outcome together. The tacit knowledge about the service is now codified in black and white,” Kara says. “All in all, my experience with service design has been extremely positive, and it has proven really useful for us. I do not regret a single day of our project,” Kara concludes.

HelmiSimpukka has some 130 restaurants in Finland, and they serve over 2.5 million customers every month. The mission of the nationwide chain is to make breaks on the road as comfortable as possible, with freshly cooked food, friendly service and a memorable spatial experience. Rune & Berg Design and HelmiSimpukka have worked together for several years to develop the spatial experience.

The starting point of the cooperation that began in 2018 was making HelmiSimpukka one of the most popular brands in Finland, which would have a positive effect on sales and customer numbers. The aim was to build a service station concept that offers the best experience for people on the road. “We want to be a relevant and approachable service station operator that is always easy to find. It all starts with the customers. We must create long-lasting premises that continue to serve us also after 15 years,” says Emil Huttunen, Marketing and Concept Manager at St1, describing the objective of the cooperation.

• the best break experience
• fresh and easy-to-approach concept
• product and service selection that stands out better

We designed a new spatial concept, signs and illustrations for the HelmiSimpukka service stations. The experience was developed in close cooperation with the HelmiSimpukka team. For example, the building blocks of the service station concept were brainstormed in workshops that discussed the chain’s current state and target state in 15 years. “You have always been easy to approach. We are clearly on the same page and speak the same language. If we wanted to change, for example, small details about sales, you always gave possible solutions quickly,” Emil describes the cooperation.

The fresh and easy-to-approach spatial concept is based on the functional and visual framework that was created in cooperation, and it reflects the chain’s promise of always friendly service and the best selection of food on the road. We also focused on the chain’s differentiating factors, emphasising the work they do at the restaurant and making the customer paths clearer to highlight the product and service selection. “The aim was to tone down the environment. I believe that it is now easier for the customers to come to the service station and find what they need,” Emil summarises the underlying idea of the new concept.

HelmiSimpukka swears by a cosy and straightforward experience, and the new look and feel has a touch of nostalgia and the charm of old-school gas stations. Local elements also play an important role in the more than 130 restaurants of the chain. In addition to travellers, HelmiSimpukka restaurants serve the local residents of the area. In some areas, the local service station is an important service and meeting place. The concept will be implemented across Finland, but it is flexible enough to allow local colour. For example, each restaurant where the new concept is implemented will have a customised illustration on the wall that reflects its local character.

The renewal made the HelmiSimpukka spatial concept much more user-centred. The spatial solutions and signs that clarified the service paths in the space also improved the customer experience, which was reflected as increased sales: the core messages and services are easier to notice in a clear space. The strong and holistic look makes HelmiSimpukka restaurants stand out from the competition better than before. “I am extremely happy with our cooperation. I have a strong feeling that we are going in the right direction. In Savonlinna, for example, sales rocketed after we implemented the new concept there,” Emil says.

Feedback from the personnel has also been positive. “We have received excellent feedback from the employees. For example, we extended our service station in Vallikallio, which dates back to the 1980s, and altered the space of HelmiSimpukka Konala to bring in more light, which has lifted the spirits of the employees,” Emil sums up.

Kämp Galleria first opened its doors in central Helsinki in 1999, and it was originally named after the famous high-end Hotel Kämp, which operates in the same city block. In 2018, Kämp returned to its roots and changed its name from Galleria Esplanad back to Kämp Galleria. The Antilooppi city block was being renovated at the same time, which served as an excellent opportunity to develop the spatial and customer experience of Kämp Galleria, as well. The project aims were specified in cooperation with the shopping centre director, advertising agency and the lessor’s representatives from Ilmarinen; Kämp Galleria was to become the most elegant fashion shopping centre in Helsinki, with a more harmonious and easy-to-understand layout. “We wanted to harmonise the customer experience of the shopping centre and make it more attractive to customers arriving from four directions,” says Aino Keto, Interior Architect.

• harmonious and stand-out look and feel
• improved visibility from the street
• enhanced communication at entrances
• increased commercial potential
• approachable everyday luxury

Rune & Berg was responsible for renewing the street level corridors of Kämp Galleria, including conceptualisation, interior architecture design and harmonising the graphic look and tenant store visibility. The entrances, corridors and bathrooms were all renovated on the ground floor. The project plans were summarised in an illustrative presentation that was given to the tenants to facilitate implementation.

The renewed Kämp Galleria is atmospheric and comfortable, but also clear and easy to understand. The corridors on the ground floor have a harmonious and elegant visual look that features green elements, cosiness and the play between light and shadow. The memorable dark green velvet sofas are excellent meeting places alongside the cafeterias and entrances. The new wayfinding system helps to navigate the space: the highly visible neon light signs at the ceiling specify the directions of the different streets. The bathroom signs were illuminated, made larger and complemented with universally understandable icons. “Kämp Galleria is a busy place in the heart of the city, but it has a wonderfully unhurried atmosphere. You can come here to relax and enjoy some me-time or time with your friends. The starting point was to design an attractive space where people would stay instead of just rushing by,” Keto explains the design principles.

After the project, the shopping centre experience is more harmonious and atmospheric than before. The carefully selected colours, furniture and indirect lighting make the environment more attractive for both the customers and tenants of the shopping centre. Just like the rest of the shopping centre, the bathrooms are also elegant. The high occupation rate of the ground floor is a sure sign that the renovation was a success.

Check out the press release by Ilmarinen (in Finnish).

Private laboratory and imaging services provider SYNLAB has 35 locations across Finland. The concept development project between SYNLAB and Rune & Berg Design started with developing the customer experience: the aim was to create a warm, high-quality and approachable customer experience instead of the clinical atmosphere that is typical of the health and welfare sector. The objective of the project was to design a lobby and sampling room concept that can be easily and cost-effectively implemented in different locations, regardless of their size and architectural features, and that supports the customer experience target.  “We wanted to create a professional and high-quality environment for customers and personnel. We hoped that people would find our spaces smooth and pleasant to use and, on the other hand, that the concept would not be too upscale for our brand image,” says Saana Mannerhovi, Marketing Director for SYNLAB, describing the objectives of the project.

• customer-centred, comfortable space and look
• applicable to different kinds of locations
• in line with the SYNLAB brand and values: easy, affordable and understandable
• considerate of different user groups, for example, the elderly
• high-quality, warm, calming, clear and safe experience

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the concept development of the lobby and sampling room and the graphic look. The concept covers the materials and colours of the waiting room and sampling rooms, the customer service desk and furniture, and luminaires and equipment. The team also developed separate concepts for the facade elements and signs that can be used in different locations and situations.

The new concept makes the locations more consistent and supports agile design. The concept will be implemented in several SYNLAB locations across Finland. For example, the SYNLAB clinics in Kamppi, AINOA in Tapiola, Chydenia in Kokkola and Ratina in Tampere have recently been renewed based on the new concept. “The transformation from old to modern is very apparent. The look and feel of the renewed locations is elegant, calm, smooth and high-quality,” Saana says. “You coached us well. You had a good and clear process: when is the concept checked, does it need any changes and, if so, the changes are documented in the concept handbook,” Sanna continues.

The SYNLAB locations were transformed into a place where the patient can relax and rest assured that they are in good hands. Various practical requirements were taken into account when designing the reception and sampling rooms. For example, they had to be anti-bacterial and have sufficient lighting for the procedures and safety. However, the end result is humane and clear: soft colour palette and lighting, calming natural colours and the placement of the logo, reception desk and receptionist so that they can be seen directly from the door make the experience less clinical. The wayfinding system with wall and room signs help the users to find the right place.

The calming atmosphere is supported by natural elements, such as soft and nest-like sampling rooms, warm wood shades and nature-inspired art. The renewed premises are decorated with unique nature art made from materials such as moss that take the customer’s mind off the sampling event and any concerns it might raise in them.

The concept also included exterior and interior signage. Rune & Berg’s concept guidelines make it easy to harmonise the decals, illuminated signs and stands outside each location. Thanks to the graphic elements, customers will recognise SYNLAB immediately, regardless of the location. The interior signage, such as wall signs and room numbers, help the customers navigate the space after the reception. Rune & Berg designed several versions of the exterior and interior signs, allowing each location to choose the alternative that suits its architecture the best, taking into account customer paths.

The alternative facade graphics and signage make the services easier to use and give a final touch to the high-quality, calm experience. The decals create a sense of elegance and reliability even before the customer steps in. The underlying idea of the window decals is to keep the space visible from the outside. However, the coverage they provide varies by location and by the spaces behind the decal. For example, the decals of sampling rooms provide more coverage to ensure privacy. The signage, for its part, help the customers to find their way within the space. The signs were designed with a mind to different user groups: sufficient size and high contrast ensure readability, even for elderly customers. And the toilet signs have both an icon and text, because people differ in terms of which one they find easier to understand. “The result is practical, elegant and calming – just as we planned at the beginning,” Saana concludes.