Academic Bookstore, Helsinki
Architect: Elissa and Alvar Aalto
Built in: 1969
Client:
In 1969 the Academic Bookstore opened, the most famous book store in Helsinki. The bookstore’s large rectangular atrium receives daylight through three skylights with interesting, prismatic shapes that protrude down into the hall, their crystalline forms contrasting with the simple rectangular shapes of the overall plan.
The bookshop extends over three floors, its white surfaces providing the perfect backdrop for the colorful books. The Café Aalto offers pleasant views from a balcony into the atrium.
The two discrete dark copper facades at the corner lot give no inkling of the bright inner atrium inside. The façades have large windows and narrow copper strips. Above the bookstore there are office floors.
Academic Bookstore, Helsinki
Architect: Elissa and Alvar Aalto
Built in: 1969
Client:
In 1969 the Academic Bookstore opened, the most famous book store in Helsinki. The bookstore’s large rectangular atrium receives daylight through three skylights with interesting, prismatic shapes that protrude down into the hall, their crystalline forms contrasting with the simple rectangular shapes of the overall plan.
The bookshop extends over three floors, its white surfaces providing the perfect backdrop for the colorful books. The Café Aalto offers pleasant views from a balcony into the atrium.
The two discrete dark copper facades at the corner lot give no inkling of the bright inner atrium inside. The façades have large windows and narrow copper strips. Above the bookstore there are office floors.