Alvar Aalto and Otaniemi campus
Aalto University is named in honour of Alvar Aalto, the famous Finnish architect
Otaniemi campus to develop into a lively neighbourhood
The university's campus is in Otaniemi, home of the lively community that supports innovations. The goal of the campus development is to mix valuable history and new ways of planning.
The Otaniemi campus area was established in 1949, when the State purchased land for the future location of the Helsinki University of Technology and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The street plan for the area was designed by architect Alvar Aalto and Aino Marsio-Aalto. The first part built in 1952 was Teekkarikylä (the student union’s housing area), which also served as accommodation for athletes during the Helsinki Olympics that same year.
Together with the City of Espoo, an environment that supports interaction is being built in Otaniemi for research, innovations, learning and the arts. The goal of campus development is a mixture of valuable history and new kind of planning.
A unique collaboration hub
Traditionally, university campuses have been divided into different buildings according to school. Aalto University's campus’ facilities have instead been divided according to the emphasis of research to better support multidisciplinary co-operation.
Companies, startups and technology parks surrounding Otaniemi will be integrated more firmly to support the creation of new information and innovations on campus. The region tries new functional solutions and the creative common use of spaces for the needs of different user groups.
What does the campus look like in the future?
What kind of improvement and construction projects will there be in Otaniemi in the coming years? Aalto University Campus & Real Estate maintains, develops and leases Aalto University’s facilities in Otaniemi and Töölö and in Metsähovi, Kirkkonummi.
Central campus block, shopping centres and sustainable solutions
What has already been done? Aalto University's campus development strives to combine old and new to create novel enviroments for the Aalto community. In time, Otaniemi has become the home of an innovative community of game changers.
Virtual Campus Experience
Explore Aalto University’s campus from anywhere in the world! Our digital guides introduce you to our learning facilities, laboratories, workshops, service spots and outdoor spaces. Experience the tour on desktop, mobile or with VR headset.
More on campus
Architectural gems of Otaniemi
The architecture in Otaniemi pays homage to the legacy Alvar Aalto, Raili & Reima Pietilä and Heikki & Kaija Siren. The campus is emerging as a completely new and open place for study, work, living and leisure.
How Otaniemi grew into a centre of technology, business and art
The first hub of world class research, a pioneer of modern architecture, the stage for the CSCE and the home of Finland’s first satellite - Otaniemi’s Aalto campus has a colourful history. Next the campus will become Aalto University’s joint campus and an open community for all.
Campus
Aalto University's campus in Otaniemi is the home of an innovative community.
Explore the campus virtually at virtualtour.aalto.fi.
News on campus
Restaurant Elissa is open in Undergraduate Centre
Café restaurant Elissa is located in Otakaari 1, U wing.
Participatory budgeting project brings massage chairs to campus
Participatory budgeting brings massage chairs to campus.
Sustainability in action: recycling campaign at Aalto University continues
The recycling campaign across the entire Aalto community was launched in October 2024.