Lieke Attorneys Ltd

An office that enables growth in a prime location in Helsinki

We designed the new 1,000-square metre office of Lieke Attorneys Ltd in the high-value property The First on Aleksanterinkatu. In the new high-quality premises, the focus was on a space that meets the requirements of the demanding work of lawyers and attorneys-at-law and incorporates a classic design. “The office space strengthens our corporate image. Our new premises also reflect Lieke’s growth and development,” says Jussi Ekonen, one of Lieke’s Partners, describing the significance of the new premises.

A state-of-the-art office for a thriving corporate culture

We were responsible for the interior design and graphic identity of Lieke’s work environment, as well as the coordination of the implementation. We also ensured that the spatial experience, quality and responsibilities for alteration work correspond with Lieke’s needs. Bureau Real Estate, already familiar with and trusted by Lieke, found new premises for the client. “The aim was to create a valuable and trustworthy but also warm atmosphere for the office. We reviewed, for example, the surface materials of the property already during the rent negotiation phase, according to Lieke’s wishes,” says Aino Keto, the project’s Lead Designer.

“We are really happy with the result. The premises are high-quality and stylish. We also received a lot of valuable support with the lessor. You supervised our interests as a client and discussed the quality level with us – for example, the layout of the premises turned out great. We were able to eliminate wasted space. It was also a great idea to build a so-called core in the middle of the office, where Lieke employees can gather,” Jussi says.

The aim of the project was to design an office that:

  • Increases attraction among staff
  • Strengthens the company’s values and work culture
  • Acts as a business card in meetings with clients and partners

In addition to the actual planning meetings, a workshop was held with the project team and an interview with an IT expert and office manager in order to create a future-proof and practical office. The pull factors of the new office include shared encounters and events, which are not available in the home office, as well as spaces designed for focused work.

“The shared break room has become one of the most popular functions at the new office, where people can meet one another and organise a variety of events. Another important aspect of Lieke’s premises is the sound insulation, which is top-class especially in customer premises and offices,” says Aino, describing the design principles of the new premises and the user experiences.

 

Classic and casual atmosphere delights users

Visually, the employees wanted the premises to have a stylish yet approachable atmosphere that reflects expertise and reliability in a warm way. The starting point for the visual look was the recently renewed brand identity, with copper and green tones that reflect the energy economy. The client wanted the same colours to be visible in the new office.

“We didn’t follow the latest trends in the design of the property, but instead selected durable and high-quality furniture and materials. Many visitors have said how much they admire the beautiful new premises,” says Kaisa Sinisalo, Interior Architect, describing the atmosphere of the Lieke office.

The sustainability of the office’s spatial and material solutions was taken into account in the design process and the end result. For example, the project made extensive use of existing furniture and took into account the adaptability of the premises. “Where possible, we retained the suspended ceiling lines and technical building systems of the property. The premises are naturally adapted to different uses, as the lighting, for example, can be adjusted to different moods,” says Aino.

“We entered the new millennium compared to our previous office. The premises are functional, employees enjoy coming to the office and working there. It’s nice to have premises that reflect who we are as a company,” says Jussi with a smile.

Would you like to learn more?

Let’s talk! We offer everything from strategy to design and vision to implementation.
You can also read Lieke’s news article about the move or the reference story (in Finnish) by Bureau Real Estate who found the new premises for Lieke.

 

Exilion

Reborn Valla offers a counterpoint to remote work

Located in Ruoholahti, Valla, previously Itämerentori 2, is the highest office building in central Helsinki. Its 21,000 m² of space will be remodelled to the needs of knowledge workers. At street level, the Atrium will be Valla’s pulsing heart. It houses a lobby area that does not pale in comparison to any hotel, a conference centre of pure technical perfection and an evergreen art garden. The upper floors of the property and the 70-metre tower are home to office spaces offering the perfect surroundings to concentrate on your work or hold meetings as well as an oasis of calm at the summit.

 

The real estate development project was carried out in cooperation with Exilion and Werklig, which was responsible for the brand design. We created Valla’s new spatial and service concepts, which feature heavily in Valla’s marketing. The site’s project design, including major structural modifications, will be implemented in 2025 on the basis of the specified concept.

A landmark and an experience for tenants and city dwellers

Ever since its completion in 2000, Valla has been a prominent feature in the streetscape of Ruoholahti. With the main tenant upping sticks, the project wanted to highlight the pull factors of the property and streamline the use of the premises. The goal of the project was to turn Valla into an experience hub and a counterpoint to the prevailing culture of remote work. The ambitious project will rejuvenate the streetscape of Ruoholahti and raise the profile of the entire area.

Highlighted by Valla's new concept:

  • Activating residents: A more prominent part of Ruoholahti, the building has a ground floor open to all residents.
  • Rentability of premises: Versatile, high-quality, 24/7 premises, clean-line aesthetic as a backdrop for the diversity of art and nature.
  • Services: Self-managed, high-quality, curated services like in a 5-star hotel.

Our concept encapsulates the services and façade concept of Valla as well as the locations of the premises inside the property. We’ve also created tenant templates to support the renting of offices. “The idea was to transform the summit of Valla and the Atrium into destinations that people will travel great distances to experience,” says Heidi Linkka, Design Strategist. For instance, the summit houses a real log sauna and a roof terrace. The property also includes exercise services for knowledge workers as well as a large garage with easy access directly from Länsiväylä. To provide the services at the required level, they’ll be managed by the “Valla Manager”, comparable to a hotel manager.

“For me, we did the right things in the project. It was great that there were several of us carefully considering the future goals and concept of Valla and that we managed to lock them in at once. For us, ideas are not in short supply, but we’d never have been able to come up with such a structured process or design the style of the property on our own,” says Ari Talja, CEO, Exilion, on the importance of the work from the client’s perspective.

Spatial concept to polish a landmark of its time

So how will Valla look and feel in future? It will be transformed from a static monument to a memorable landmark. What this means in practice in terms of functionality is that, thanks to the incredibly intuitive placement of services from the users’ point of view, users are able to move effortlessly on the premises.

“Valla is easy to find because the new façade, and especially the stand-out entrance, will capture your attention. The new main corner entrance now provides easy access to the verdant service point, where you are met by a real human. After that, the space opens up, offering beautiful vistas of the Atrium and the office spaces on the higher floors,” says Design Strategist Jenni Herkama, describing the serene user experience achieved through spatial design.

The concept also enabled Valla to be polished into a new sheen in terms of style and ambience. To complement the clean lines and high-grade materials originally designed by architect Pekka Helin, we’ve introduced unforgettable natural and artistic elements, with their roots in the environment of Ruoholahti.

“We were building on top of the existing quality architecture. For example, when designing the facelift of the façade, we took advantage of the property’s beautifully patinated Corten steel surface that was a novelty when the building was constructed. The idea behind the warm and verdant street level is to invigorate the office spaces overlooking the inner courtyard as well as the Ruoholahti streetscape and to make Valla a destination for tenants and residents at large,” says Jenni.

Would you like to learn more?

Read current news in Finnish about Valla. And feel free to get in touch with us – we’re happy to tell you more!

Bistro & Bar Miljöö

The beloved restaurant Miljöö in Töölö was lifted to new glory

The new Bistro & Bar Miljöö exudes the spirit of a high-quality bistro in terms of space, service and food. The functionality and visual appeal of the restaurant’s exteriors and interiors were enhanced to make them match the quality of its food and service. In practice, this meant, for example, making customer paths smoother and relocating the functions, as well as improving street visibility. “We achieved everything we wanted. This gave Miljöö its distinctive identity, and I am proud of the result. People have received it very well. Many have said that now the food matches the venue,” says restaurant owner Ari Zerza happily.

The attractive local bistro stands out from the former Töölön Sävel restaurant

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.

The design drivers of Miljöö were:

  • 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.

The warm atmosphere is now also reflected in the interior design

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.

The renewal of Miljöö has also been widely covered by the press.

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

Mehiläinen

A shared working environment for Mehiläinen in Kamppi

Mehiläinen’s new hotel-like office is located at the Narinkkatori square in Kamppi, in central Helsinki, with excellent transport connections and services. Specialists from Mehiläinen’s management and head office moved to the new premises from several different locations.

The company wanted to focus particularly on quality in the premises. The views over Kamppi on the top floors create a spectacular setting for individual work and cooperation, and the office space also features a terrace that is particularly popular on hot days. “It makes a huge difference that everyone is under the same roof. The popular plaza area and terrace are excellent for creating encounters. People come together for a coffee, and more casual meetings are also held on the terrace,” says Mariia Einesalo, Interior and Design Concept Manager at Mehiläinen.

Needs assessment showed the direction of the future

The spatial design was based on a project aimed at clarifying the shared objective of Mehiläinen with regard to future spatial solutions. Based on the needs assessment, the team decided to combine premises at several different addresses to create encounters and synergies between different functions. Mehiläinen’s iconic building in Töölö continues to house the medical centre and hospital.

The next step after the needs assessment was to design the selected office property. “During the project, we questioned the familiar ways of doing things and genuinely thought about how people will work in the future and what kind of an office supports their work. The aim was to create an attractive, high-quality office that promotes a sense of community,” explain Sini Ala-Nikula and Jenny Soldan, Design Strategists for the project.

The design of the new shared office was guided by the following design drivers:

  • Encounters between Mehiläinen employees and with other stakeholders. The new office is a cosy working environment that brings people together, supporting collaboration and allowing employees to see what others are doing.
  • Hotel atmosphere and different Mehiläinen employees. Creating a hotel-like atmosphere, especially in meeting rooms. Facilities solutions support Mehiläinen’s agile corporate culture and different ways of working. The services work seamlessly together and support daily work and well-being.
  • Flexible and versatile use between and within different locations. Spaces can be reserved as needed instead of owning them, and tribal areas and different types of space support innovation and recovery.

Rune & Berg Design carried out a needs assessment, spatial adaptations and an assessment of the spatial requirements to support Mehiläinen’s decision on the premises and designed a new office on the 6th and 7th floors of the Arkadia building. The design process covered the interior design and graphic look of the space, as well as project coordination during their implementation. The premises on the sixth floor were already leased by Mehiläinen and had been re-designed quite recently, so as few changes as possible were made to them and the work was concentrated on the top floor. “We created a floor plan for the sixth floor to update the functionalities and create a uniform look that connects the two floors. In general, we reused and repaired everything we could in the property. For example, existing ceilings and lighting rails were used in most of the premises,” says Kaisa Sinisalo, Interior Architect.

High-quality hotel-like workday experience

Mehiläinen’s new premises have fewer square metres than before, but the use of the premises is even more flexible. The office spans two floors and offers a wide range of spaces for focused work, joint brainstorming and hybrid meetings, for example. The heart of the office is the working cafe on the top floor, which also has a terrace over the Kamppi roofs. There are team workspaces on both sides of the cafe and on the lower floor, and they are divided into spaces for silent and loud work and based on different ways of working. The use of the spaces is based on team days, flexibility and each team’s own areas, which make it easier to find the closest colleagues. “The spaces are really nice and comfortable, they offer an excellent setting for work and also support Teams meetings well. The atmosphere of the premises reflects Mehiläinen’s status as an international company. It’s great that we now have such an elegant setting for welcoming guests to our premises,” Mariia says.

Would you like to learn more?

Read Mehiläinen’s press release on the centralised head office.

Unity Technologies Finland

The Helsinki office was extended and upgraded for the hybrid era

The Helsinki office of the international software company Unity is located in central Helsinki, on the 6th and 7th floors of the Makkaratalo building. Compared to Unity offices in other large cities, Helsinki feels like an idyllic small village where everything is close by, including nature. However, personnel growth has also been rapid in Helsinki, and nowadays an increasing number of the employees work both remotely and at the office. The Helsinki office was upgraded to meet the demands of this growth and the hybrid era, based on the space types defined in the Unity Workplace 2.0 playbook, without forgetting the connection to nature that is typical of the Helsinki office.

Boldness and locality as the starting point

The aim of the project was to improve the functionality of the Helsinki office to make it better meet the needs of the growing organisation and the changing work culture. The change was implemented in connection with the property renovation, and it covered the current space of approximately 3,000 square metres and the 1,100 square metre extension. Although the upgraded office is still located in the same space, the starting point for the new design was boldness: “Doing things boldly and at full volume is a good match for Unity’s values. In this project, boldness was evident in the colour and material choices and the spatial division system that supports modern office work that takes places in multiple locations,” says Riina Ruska, Lead Designer for the project.

“The nature of work in this environment diverges significantly from our other offices. There’s a heightened focus on programming, with teams engaged in both desk-based and on-site activities. The initiative brought a refreshing vibrancy to our workspaces, making them more inviting and illuminated. Moreover, we introduced versatile and collaborative think tank areas, departing from traditional formal meeting rooms,” Tara Oberoi, Manager of Global Environments for Unity, explains.

The following design drivers were specified together with the Unity team:

  • functional – practical and flexible
  • inspiring – premium but cosy
  • collaborative – spaces for cooperation and meeting others
  • sustainable – responsible design choices and connection with nature

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the interior architecture and graphic design of the Helsinki office and for curating art for the office. We also designed temporary premises for the client in the same property during the renovation. “In the past, each Unity office would look the same around the world, but nowadays the emphasis is on local elements. The client wanted to ensure that when someone comes, for example, from Montreal to Helsinki, they immediately know where they are. That is why we made the atmosphere of the space more distinctively Finnish and fresher, and we selected the urban forest in Helsinki as the underlying theme,” Riina says, describing the starting point for the design.

“We greatly admire your commitment to the entire design process, from inception to completion, and we genuinely value the holistic approach you bring. Your team’s prowess as designers is evident, and the collaboration was seamless — an experience we thoroughly enjoyed,” says Tara, describing what it was like to work with Rune & Berg Design.

Hybrid environment with inspiring encounters and urban nature

The transformation of the Helsinki office covered not only the technical building system and lighting but also the functionality of the space and the different roles of different spaces. The office still serves as the home base of the teams and offers ergonomic workstations for coding, but the new spaces emphasise encounters with other Unity employees: an extensive social hub was created on the 6th floor, the meeting rooms were made more varied and, for example, the floor area of the workplace cafeteria was doubled. “We analysed the need for different types of spaces by interviewing and observing Unity employees in their work. Another important thing to note was the global Unity community – there are teams in which not all members work at the Finnish office,” Riina says.

The atmosphere of the space is bolder and more Finnish than before, built on, for example, the furniture, graphic elements and curated pieces of art. Almost all of the furniture we purchased is Finnish, and environmental friendliness was an important criterion in making the design choices. For example, as the floor material, we selected an alternative that was not only functional but also the most ecological. The bold graphic details and materials highlight the urban nature of Helsinki: the names and icons of the meeting rooms refer to locally well-known animals and plants, such as city bunnies and lily of the valley, and the glazed walls of the meeting room are adorned by the skyline of Helsinki with its signature landmarks. “Through the narrow horizontal windows of Makkaratalo, you can see all the major landmarks of Helsinki, from the Cathedral to the Lyhdynkantajat sculptures of Helsinki Central Railway Station and the tower of the Helsinki Olympic Stadium,” says Riikka Kuukka, AD, who led the graphic spatial and signage concept and curated the office art.

“The Helsinki office is truly impressive — the outcome exceeded our expectations, offering both a great aesthetic and enhanced comfort for work. Its unique design sets it apart from conventional offices, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the final result”, Tara says.

Art offers a moment of relaxation

The emphasis on locality can also be seen in the works of art selected for the office, mainly by rising local artists, which makes the office more attractive as an inspiring alternative to hectic days at the home office. “Unity has really understood the importance of art in promoting the well-being of its employees. They invest in it in all their offices around the world. The materials, colours and message of the works selected for the Helsinki office support the overall concept of nature at the heart of the Helsinki,” Riikka explains. “The aim was to make people feel their best at the office. They get a moment of relaxation by looking out the window or admiring the works of art,” Riina continues.

Unity’s employees could vote for their favourites among the works of art suggested by Rune & Berg Design. For the Helsinki office, the team chose, for example, imaginative sculptures for the Tori working café, a mobile sculpture by Jenni Rope for the interior staircase that connects the two floors, and textile art for the library to create perfect silence. “The fusion of art and graphics was monumental, and the curation was executed with excellence. Its quirky nature resonates with the Helsinki team and our cultural identity, underscoring our desire to cultivate offices that embody a distinctive local flair.” Tara adds.

“All in all, the new Helsinki office is fresh, functional and cosier than before – a good place for people and shared moments,” Riina concludes.  The users agree: “Everyone was really excited to see how the Helsinki office was transformed – how subtle changes make such a big impact. Everyone is going to be ecstatic, feedback has been positive,” Tara concludes.

Pikku Huopalahti library

A postmodern children’s library welcomes visitors

The renovated Pikku Huopalahti library offers fun discoveries and nest-like nooks, particularly for kindergarten and school groups. Located in a unique and stylistically harmonious area, the library repeats the playful colours and shapes of the postmodern world. The newly opened library has been well received: “All the children who have visited the new library have been really excited. The increased visitor numbers also show that people want to visit. Not only with their teacher, but also in their free time. Reading nooks, for example, have become so popular that the staff have arranged turns to use them. Users love this,” says Sami Rainio, Director of the Pikku Huopalahti library.

A library that feels big and welcoming

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.

Children involved in the design process

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 joy of discovery in a postmodern setting

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.

Would you like to learn more?

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

Versowood

New Eurosaha plant crowns 12 years of cooperation

The revamped plant of sawn timber pioneer Versowood lets the forest be seen and heard. “Versowood’s revamped Eurosaha plant represents not only the forestry sector, but also the company’s modern identity and willingness to take good care of its employees. The largest privately owned sawmill in Finland has been turned into an experiential forest environment with a contemporary twist,” says Jenni Herkama, Lead Designer for the client.

The future grows in forests

The extension of the Eurosaha plant in Vierumäki was an investment in a top-notch saw production line, job satisfaction, well-being and a great visitor experience.  “In the last 20 years, employee satisfaction and motivation have been playing a more important role. The aim was to motivate employees and make the workplace a nice place to work in,” says Ville Kopra, Versowood CEO. Another important perspective in designing the plant extension was Versowood’s updated brand message, “tomorrow is renewable”.

The design drivers for the project were:

  • being a pioneer in the forestry sector
  • promoting employee well-being
  • updating the visitor experience to match the new brand message

Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the interior architecture and graphic design of the Eurosaha extension and for project management. We also worked on the internal communication of the head office together with the Versowood team.

Well-being and quality from forests for the next generations

The user experience of the Eurosaha extension and the various spaces were carefully analysed from the point of view of the well-being and experience of both Versowood employees and visitors. Elements that enhance well-being include the forest-like lobby and soundscape that welcome visitors and the new changing rooms and break room where people can relax or even exercise while waiting for their coffee to brew. The high-quality break room and kitchen also serve as a visitors’ centre, and the supervisor’s room can be used for meetings and workshops.

“We wanted to show that we care and live up to our values. We went beyond the ordinary in this revamping process,” says Mia Kärkkäinen, Marketing Manager at Versowood, describing the background of the carefully executed development of Eurosaha. The revamped Eurosaha will serve as a benchmark for the development of other units. “Eurosaha looks great, and we are proud to present it. When I visit the plant, I see smiling faces all around me,” Ville says.

Cooperation since 2012

Rune & Berg Design and Versowood have been cooperating extensively since 2012. The two companies have had all kinds of shared projects over the years: from facilitating the new vision for the head office to extensive work environment design and culture projects and individual graphic designs. Rune & Berg Design has designed, for example, the renovation of the current Versowood head office in Vierumäki, the “forest office” or ground-floor customer service space in Mikkeli, the yard areas, a fair stand and various truck decals and workwear.

One of the largest work culture and graphic design projects was the occupational safety project, the aims of which were to integrate safety thinking into daily work and achieve the target of zero occupational accidents. The posters created during the project can also be seen in the revamped Eurosaha plant, at carefully selected points along the workday path. The aim is to use the material for many years to come to promote occupational safety across Versowood’s offices.

The Versowood team is happy with the long cooperation that is characterised by joy and playfulness and the courage to think about the future: “You are extremely kind, positive and helpful. You have excellent professional skills, relevant experience, a future-oriented approach and new tools for utilising research-based information,” says Mia. “You are easy to work with. You work approach is positive, and you know how things are done in our company. This makes it easier to get things started,” Ville adds.

Relex

Work environment concept for a growing company

Technology company RELEX was founded in 2005, and has grown fast from a start-up into a group of 1,800 employees while its working methods have been in a constant state of change. We helped RELEX to define scenarios and focus areas for its future work and designed a work environment concept that supports its future growth and changing ways of working. The current RELEX office in Ilmala was renovated in autumn 2022, and is serving as a test environment for ways of working and changes before the company moves to the new premises in Otaniemi.

The project helped the team to recognise the key policies of the work environment strategy:

  • the role and location of the headquarters
  • future ways of working
  • types of premises that support the working methods
  • supporting the planning of change communication

Needs assessment determines direction and scope of change

We started our cooperation with a needs assessment that helped us to analyse the needs of the future work environment in an employee-centred manner. The needs assessment included an employee survey, interviews in pairs with key persons, and workshops on future working scenarios for the project team. The assessment helped to identify the role of the office in the future, the ways of using it and spatial needs. The decision on the number of spaces needed in the future was based on the needs assessment. The outcome was building a recognisable RELEX experience in the new premises. Because the new office will not be completed until 2026, the company decided to renovate the current Ilmala office as well, to make it better support the changed working methods.

“You led us in the right direction with your expertise and enthusiasm, providing us with scenarios and plans from the start. The atmosphere within the project team was warm and welcoming, and working together with you was easy,” says Nanna Tuomi-Nikula, Specialist in Work Environment Design and Team Leader at RELEX, describing the cooperation with Rune & Berg Design.

In addition to the needs assessment and scenarios, we were responsible for the work environment design and graphic design of the renovated Ilmala office and concept design for the first floor of the new headquarters. We also supported the RELEX project team in change communication. CBRE acted as commercial advisor for the search for headquarters. “Cooperation with you was extremely smooth, the result is a success and the workshops you held were well prepared. With your help, we optimised the use of the premises. You also supported us in decision-making,” says Tiia Rapeli, HR Director at RELEX.

Work environment concept sums up future needs

The needs assessment and the scenarios were used as the basis for the new office and its preliminary work environment concept. The concept covers the different spaces and zones that the company needs, their number and visual look and feel. The design was driven by the wishes and opinions of the employees concerning work in the future. Finding a balance between efficient hybrid work and fun was important. “We encouraged the client to think about what kind of a work environment and ways of working RELEX employees have, which helped them to manage the work environment strategy. In an uncertain situation, staying put is not the wisest thing to do. Instead, the best way is to make a decision and choose the direction based on the best available information, just like RELEX did,” says Sini Ala-Nikula, Lead Designer for the project, sharing valuable tips with other companies in a similar situation.

An example of new types of spaces introduced to the Ilmala concept are the restorative and quiet spaces that have become more important in the hectic world of hybrid work. The aim is also to transfer these types of spaces to the new headquarters. In the work environment concept of the future office, the space is divided into visitor areas and areas for internal concentration and collaboration. The purpose of this division is to make work as smooth as possible. The number of workstations needed by the personnel is based on both the ratio of in-office work to remote work and the type of tasks performed at the office.

“This is a great concept with different zones and working areas. It serves as an excellent foundation for designing the new headquarters. The revamped Ilmala office allows us to test the new working culture and premises,” Tiia says.

The spatial solutions and uses of the 5,000-m2 premises in Ilmala were renewed according to the new work environment concept. The RELEX employees get to test a more flexible working model, where they can reserve the versatile spaces based on needs. There are no dedicated workstations. “Working at the Ilmala office allows our employees to practise new ways of working and test new kinds of facilities. We also prepared a communications plan for the work environment change: what information should be shared, on what channels and how,” Sini says.  “I feel like this has been a big change for the better. From our point of view, the best features are the different types of areas and modular structure – the space can be modified and used for a variety of purposes. This has helped our employees find different ways of working,” concludes Nanna.

“Thanks to the successful renovation, the Ilmala office really resembles us. Bringing in natural elements, offering opportunities for refreshment, the working cafe, various meeting rooms and Octacells have changed the ways in which we use the space. The new Ilmala office is cosy, and our employees love it. The office feels warm and home-like,” Tiia says happily.

Ilmala as a test environment for change

The renovation of the Ilmala office is complete, but RELEX employees are continuing to test the premises. The employees are also involved in the development of the office: “We are currently preparing a user’s guide on the purposes of each space, and we are collecting feedback from the RELEX team on the functionality of the spatial solutions in Ilmala. The idea is to enable the employees to influence the development and test the concept in Ilmala for the new office,” Nanna says, describing the future.

Would you like to read more about the new RELEX headquarters?

Check out the press release by RELEX.

Kalasatama Library

Playful library challenges the familiar

The new Kalasatama Library that plays with colours and shapes opened at Redi shopping centre in early 2024. The library was inspired by Max Velthuij’s story “The Little Boy and the Big Fish”, where the sky turns out to be the sea and a bird can be a fish. As in the story, the library, too, challenges the familiar: the architectural borders of the rooms have been blurred to create an environment that welcomes people to enjoy themselves and forget their old ways of thinking. Loved by users and the media alike, the library was created together with local residents and the library staff.

A strategically important and experiential local library

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.

The following five themes drove the design of the spatial experience:

  • 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.

Spatial art that breaks boundaries

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.

“The aim was to think about what a local library could be in a completely new way. That is why we did not start from shelf meters, as is often the case with such projects. I knew that you can be challenged and that inspires you – it is important that the partner is not only someone who implements what was asked, but who has their own strong vision,” says Saara Ihamäki, Director of Helsinki Regional Library Services.

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.

The final result offers positive surprises

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.

Would you like to learn more about the library?

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

Futurice

Ten years of cooperation on work environments continues

The partnership between the software giant Futurice and Rune & Berg Design, which has been ongoing since 2013, is based on close cooperation and not shying way from doing things in a new way. The most important starting point in the development of the work environments is supporting Futurice’s unique corporate culture and the work of its employees. In addition to designing the premises, the projects have had a strong focus on understanding the needs of the employees and realising the global brand’s vision and strategy in a tangible and future-oriented manner. The latest collaboration is Futurice’s new Kamppi head office for the hybrid age, which was completed in late 2022.

Helsinki is the home of Futurice, and it was also where the collaboration with Rune & Berg Design began.

“When you enter our office’s open café, you are greeted with an atmosphere that reflects our way of working in a very real way. That is the kind of experience we were looking to achieve together with the wonderful designers of Rune & Berg. The various joint workshops and how proud our people are of our new premises tell us that the design and implementation management were highly successful. It’s been easy to advertise Rune & Berg to groups that have visited our office,” says Hanno Nevanlinna, Director of Culture at Futurice on the cooperation.

When ordinary is not enough: birthplace of the cool and home of the awesome

Employing more than 600 people of 47 different nationalities, Futurice is known for its innovative corporate culture, where everyone can be themselves. The goal of the partnership has been to develop a world-class work environment experience that enables the top professionals to find and stay at Futurice.

“The most amazing thing about the partnership has been that the management has wanted to be involved in all the projects throughout the cooperation. This indicates that the space is seen as a strategic tool that can be used to influence the work itself,” says Sara Tuohikumpu, Lead Designer at Rune & Berg Design, who was involved in the early stages of the cooperation.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Rune & Berg in creating a workplace and culture that reflects our way of working. They’ve always appreciated and built upon the comments they’ve received from us as their client,” says Hanno.

The Managing Director, Finland of Futurice, Riku Valtasola, has also been closely involved in the development of the work environment experience. “I’m happy to say that working with Rune & Berg Design has been flexible and communicating with them has been open and easy. I consider it important that, in addition to their ideas, our partner pays attention to the changing needs and wishes of the employees. Rune & Berg always comes up with good ideas for suitable solutions. They also possess strong expertise in choosing the best-suited materials for the intended use, for example,” says Riku.

A world-class work environment experience is built with the help of jointly defined design drivers:

  • highlighting the company culture
  • ecological and effective design
  • pioneering hybrid work

During the decade-long collaboration, Rune & Berg Design has been Futurice’s partner in developing the work environment concept, change management and designing and updating the offices in Helsinki and Tampere to suit their users. “We’ve seen immense growth since we moved from Lauttasaari to Kamppi. That was the first time we purchased interior architect services – it was a sign that doing things by ourselves was no longer enough. With a well-functioning, high-quality space, we can show that we take things seriously,” says Hanno.

In the latest update of the head office, we focused especially on solutions for a post-pandemic world of work. “We’ve been considering new ways working and how the space could support interaction in an interesting way that reflects Futurice,” says Sini Ala-Nikula, Lead Designer on Rune & Berg Design’s latest project. “For example, the tables in the conference rooms were designed together with Hanno. They’re all at standing height, and different messages and ideas to support the Futuriceans’ decision-making model and interaction have been incorporated in them.”

The new Kamppi office also had an emphasis on services as part of the Innovation Home property, and internal IT services were brought to the office in a central location to make the everyday lives of the Futuriceans easier. “The use of space at the Kamppi office works well. There are enough video booths, for example, and the large open café space with its easily movable furniture allows you to interact with people just as much or as little as you like,” says Hanno.

A partner through changes

The world of work is in a state of constant change, and work environments must also change with the times. Futurice’s offices, which employ coders, service designers and business consultants, are designed to be flexible according to the needs of different employees and projects. At Futurice’s offices, you can find, for example, a lot of easily movable furniture and adjustable surfaces, such as movable glass walls, where you can stick your post-it notes to help with brainstorming.

“According to our brand, things need to have a bigger function and purpose. It’s important for us to be able to modify the premises according to the intended use,” says Hanno.

“The premises were built to be flexible. The people at Futurice are very independent also in rearranging the premises. In order to be able to do something new and creative, you need the premises to be flexible to facilitate that process,” says Sara, who participated in the first projects.

This flexibility is also reflected in the new Kamppi office: “For example, the working café with its easily movable furniture can be used to host a variety of events, from training events to information sessions, parties and hobby clubs. There is hardly any wasted space at the office, and reserving the spaces and zoning them to floors for focus-intensive work and cooperation make everyday life smoother,” says Sini.

The people at Futurice have also played a key role during the design process: the various workshops, user interviews and observation days have helped to create unique work environments that serve the Futuriceans. For example, the atmosphere of the premises and the principles of use were created together with the users.

“At the beginning of the cooperation, we spent a lot of time with the Futuriceans at their office at the time. We talked to people and observed their ways of working and, for example, the sound environment,” says Sara.

“We’ve really got to know them along the way and have had the privilege of being a part of their growth story. The Futuriceans challenge us to make bold choices and to think outside of the box. They appreciate our perspectives on small details and big issues alike,” says Account Manager Raija Mattila.

Photos: Mikael Pettersson

In the renovation of the Kamppi office, the architectural design was carried out by ARCO. The property is owned by CapMan. We thank you for the great cooperation!