Extensive renovation
with cultural and historical significance
- SCOPE
- Yrjönkatu swimming hall
- City of Helsinki
- 700 m²
- Public space
- Service environment
- Insight
- Co-creation
- Concept development
- Spatial design
- Graphic design
The Yrjönkatu swimming hall is a historically and architecturally invaluable property. While most swimming halls focus on physical activity, Yrjönkatu aims at providing a tranquil moment of well-being across generations. We were responsible for designing the service model and customer experience of the Yrjönkatu swimming hall, as well as the spatial and graphic design, visual identity, communication channel model, and staff training for the new service culture. The renovated swimming hall opened to the public in early 2026.
A moment
for relaxation
in a unique
environment
Clear areas were allocated in the lobby for taking off shoes, checkout operations and queuing. Instead of using a mobile phone while waiting, you can now admire the original artefacts and photographs in the historical vitrine.
Dive into the journey – read the full project story
Designing the customer experience and premises of the Yrjönkatu swimming hall
Opened in 1928, the Yrjönkatu swimming hall was the first swimming hall in Finland. Managed by the City of Helsinki’s Culture and Leisure Division, this traditional leisure venue offers a spa-like setting for peaceful relaxation. Modernised whilst honouring the history of the space, the functions, atmosphere and communications now also support this goal.
Service design yields
solutions that work
The renovation of the Yrjönkatu swimming hall is not only significant in terms of the cityscape but also in terms of the experience of approximately 160,000 annual visitors and employees. In particular, the genuine involvement of the employees, or “bath masters”, in the development work was an important way of working for the City of Helsinki. The joint planning process and participatory methods used in the project serve as an example for the development of the city’s other swimming halls and services.
“Initially, we looked through the lens of service design to find out how we could improve the customer path and functionality. The key thing was to make use of customer understanding and, in particular, the professional skills and competence of our own staff. The space and signage design was a continuation of this – the cherry on top, so to speak,” says Kara Koskinen, Team Supervisor at the Yrjönkatu swimming hall, summarising the extensive development and design work carried out on the Yrjönkatu swimming hall.
The swimming hall was designed in cooperation with the City of Helsinki’s experts, the swimming hall staff, users and service providers, as well as the developer, main designer and accessibility consultant. The project began with a service design project, in which the needs and wishes of the users of the swimming hall were extensively studied.
“We ensured that the premises would be made functional, not only technically but also for the users. Furthermore, we nurtured and strengthened the unique experience through spatial design, graphic design and communications solutions,” says Elina Järvinen, Service Designer at Rune & Berg Design.
Cooperation with the staff at the Yrjönkatu swimming pool culminated in training and the implementation of a co-created service model before the swimming hall opened.
The goals of the future customer experience and service environment were specified as follows:
- unique urban culture experience
- a common bathing and swimming spot
- a moment for well-being in a relaxed setting
- a long-standing tradition in a changing world
The desired lack of urgency washes over you as soon as you step inside: The well thought-out digital content of the old glass display cabinet in the gateway and the grounding artwork in the corridor block out the noise of the city and lead the visitor into a classic atmosphere. Buying admission tickets and orienting yourself to the bathing experience flows even smoother thanks to the accessible signage and the clarified functionalities of the lobby.
Interior architecture solutions, such as furniture plans, were made with reference to the past – every detail has been carefully considered and weighed.
Various options were tested for the layout of the lobby functions and service path.
Team Supervisor Kara, who was closely involved in the project, praises the work done using service design methods: “The spatial plans and all other material produced by Rune & Berg Design were clear and well structured. Tacit knowledge about the service is now all in one place, written in black and white. We can be proud of our work – I believe that we’ve done the right things at many different levels.”
Communications Manager Ilpo Kiiskinen at the City of Helsinki , who was responsible for the visual identity and communications channel model, shares the same opinion:
“The cooperation with Rune & Berg went well. We carried out the project on a tight schedule, and the result was so tangible that our communications team can take advantage of it. The key was to synchronise communications with the space and the experience. Rune & Berg’s team had been designing “Yrjis” for some time, so it was natural to build on the previous work.”
At the Yrjönkatu swimming hall, you can experience a tranquil moment of well-being in a unique environment.
Together with the city’s communications team, we developed the visual identity of the Yrjönkatu swimming hall, which combines the brand of the City of Helsinki and the architectural character of the Yrjönkatu swimming hall. The visual look is widely visible, for example, on the swimming pool’s website, digital displays and physical products, such as brochures and related products.
The spirit of Yrjö was brought into the present day
After the service design project, we moved towards implementation: The Yrjönkatu swimming hall was renovated based on the spatial and graphic concepts we had designed and the history survey conducted by the Helsinki City Museum. The interior architecture of the renovated spaces reflects the classical design language and tones that the building’s architecture represents; the so-called “spirit of Yrjö”, referring to the location of the swimming hall.
“We designed the lobbies, cool-off area, lounge and changing rooms with respect for the historical milieu, but with a modern spin. Interior architecture solutions, such as furniture plans, were made with reference to the past – every detail has been carefully considered and weighed,” says Lead Designer Johanna Happonen.
“Physical and digital brand elements and signage add a finishing touch to the experience. In these areas, we particularly considered how to harmonise the architecture of the Yrjönkatu swimming hall with the City of Helsinki’s brand,” says Art Director Riikka Kuukka.
“We have always talked about the spirit of Yrjönkatu, i.e. updated the swimming hall for today, whilst respecting what came before. In this regard, I believe that the experience will improve and deepen in many different places. The spirit of Yrjö starts with a new website and materialises when a customer enters the breathtaking courtyard adorned with HAM’s percentage-based art. From there, the experience continues in the swimming and relaxation areas. The sauna and lounge on the fourth floor will also be taken to a new level, among other things,” hints Kara.
The project reflects Rune & Berg Design’s versatile and comprehensive expertise – from service design to strategic communication support, and from interior architecture to graphic design.
Rune & Berg Design’s project team: Johanna Happonen, Jenni Herkama, Joonas Huhta, Elina Järvinen, Riikka Kuukka, Riku Laine, and Heidi Linkka
“We have always talked about the spirit of Yrjönkatu, i.e. updated the swimming hall for today, whilst respecting what came before.“
The materials selected for the signs were high-quality antique brass and curly birch, respecting the architecture. The content of the signage was implemented with embossed letters and braille to ensure that visiting the swimming hall is as simple and accessible as possible for everyone.
The service design project resulted in a service model guide, a space description and a guidance concept. The guides created will be used in the orientation of employees to the new service model and in the design of the swimming hall facilities
Photos, video, and visualisations: Mikael Pettersson, Rune & Berg Design, City of Helsinki, Helsinki City Museum.
Curious to explore the renewed charm of the Yrjönkatu swimming hall?
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Visit the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall website.
Discover Wallpaper’s article about the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall.