The spaces are adaptable and versatile. A number of rooms can be opened up or enclosed by means of movable partition walls. They can also be connected together to create larger spaces. The initial premise was to separate classrooms in a way that maintains the visual freedom and transparency. Focus, stimulation, the senses and the effects of colours have all been taken into consideration in designing this learning environment.

“When choosing furniture, we prioritised flexibility and functionality. In this case, it was not just about harmonious combinations, but also the possibility to rearrange furniture into groups and create interesting new combinations. People move around the rooms, so it is only appropriate that the furniture can do likewise,” says Anne Harju, Interior Architect from Lahdelma & Mahlamäki architects.

“The building is mainly light colours with some concrete elements. We used colour coding as a way to provide contrasts between the different floors. This makes it easy to differentiate between the areas and to navigate the building,” says Anne.

Floor one features accent colours of blue, red, brown and pink. The colour theme continues to floor two, with bolder elements added, including acoustic panels. The colours also feature in the study areas, chiefly in the form of the mobile furniture and curtains. On floors three and four, the colour contrasts are taken up another notch.